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National Safe Boating Week & Media Ride-Along
Richmond, VA—National Safe Boating Week is May 16 – 22 and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) reminds all boaters to stay safe this summer and always wear a life jacket while on the water. No matter where you boat or what type of vessel you’re on — wearing a life jacket is essential for safety!
While preparing for the season, boaters should make sure they have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in good condition that fit every occupant of the boat, including children. Safe boating week is a great time to inspect your gear, including your inflatable life jacket. Inflatable life jackets make it easy for adults to “Wear It” while enjoying their time on the water and being a good role model for young people on their boats.
No matter what time of year you go boating, always put safety first while planning your trip. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. When planning your trip, always be weather aware. Check the forecast while planning your trip and double check it before departing. Weather conditions and a marine forecast can be found on the National Weather Service website and the United States Geological Survey has water temperatures for many creeks and rivers as well as streamflow. Also, know your vessel and have a plan to re-board your boat in case the unexpected happens and you end up in the water.
To learn more about boating in Virginia, including information on applicable laws, education and water safety, please visit the DWR boating webpage. Remember, everyone wants to have a safe, enjoyable day on the water. Do your part by wearing your life jacket and taking a boating safety education course.
To help bring additional awareness to boating safety, Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is Friday, May 15. Wear it, post it, and help DWR spread the word about how life jackets save lives.
Media Ride-Along plus interviews — RSVP required:
CLAYTOR LAKE
Saturday, May 16, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
Tuesday, May 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Waterwheel Marina
1252 Waterwheel Drive, Moneta, VA 24121
BUGGS ISLAND LAKE / JOHN H. KERR RESERVOIR
Wednesday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Occoneechee Boat Ramp
1192 Occoneechee Park Road, Clarksville, VA 23927
OCCOQUAN RIVER
Wednesday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Captain John S. Beach Marina
10729 Old Colchester Road, Lorton, VA 22079
RICHMOND / JAMES RIVER
Thursday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Osborne Landing Boat Ramp
9530 Osborne Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23231
LAKE ANNA
Thursday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dukes Creek Marina
3831 Breaknock Road, Bumpass, VA 23024
SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
Thursday, May 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Washington County Park Boat Ramp
19482 County Park Road, Abingdon, VA 24211
If you are interested in participating in the ride-along, please email and schedule a time. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for boating.
DWR welcomes members of the media to join us to talk boating and water safety during this extremely important week. Your partnership in getting these life-saving messages to the public is vitally important.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.