Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue

05/25/2026

With lake levels currently low and many motorized boats stuck in their slips, Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue has noticed a increase in paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes on the water.

As you head out to enjoy our beautiful lake, please keep these safety rules in mind:
• It’s the Law: Virginia requires at least one life jacket on board for every single occupant on a paddle craft.
• Wear It: While having it on the craft is the law, wearing it on your body is the safest choice!
• 🐾 Don't Forget Pups: We highly recommend life jackets for your four-legged co-pilots, too!

Life jackets truly SAVE LIVES in an emergency. Let’s work together to keep Smith Mountain Lake both fun and safe this season!

05/25/2026

We ask that you take a moment to reflect on those who have served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their memory lives on.

05/24/2026

05/23/26 *Boat/Dock Fire*
Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue was dispatched to the vicinity of Anthony Home Road for a reported boat fire near a structure. Chief 10 from the Saunders Volunteer Fire Company was the first to arrive on the scene, reporting a dock and two vessels involved in fire.
​Command confirmed that there were no injuries or missing persons, and aggressive fire suppression efforts were immediately initiated. Fireboats 11-6, 11-5, 11-4, and 11-9 operated seamlessly alongside land-based units to contain and extinguish the fire.
​Once the fire was suppressed, the scene was turned over to the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Bedford County Fire Marshal's Office for investigation.

Thanks to all the responding departments:
Saunders Volunteer Fire Company
Huddleston Volunteer Fire Company
Bedford Fire Department
Bedford County Dept of Fire Rescue

05/22/2026

Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), conducted a joint training session at the Oak Grove Boat Ramp on Wednesday.

The training featured a Basic Water Rescue Class hosted by SML Firefighter Tim Graham and SML Fire Captain Andrew StClair for DWR officers. The initiative aimed to strengthen the vital mutual partnership between the agencies, ultimately enhancing safety for the residents and visitors of Smith Mountain Lake.

The primary focus of the session was the safe extraction of both conscious and unconscious patients from the water. Participants reviewed the foundational "Reach, Throw, Row, and Go" rescue methodology to ensure multiple options are available during an emergency.
Key hands-on training exercises included: Parbuckling Techniques, Crews practiced specialized patient extraction from the water using a "Jason's Cradle" device.
Throw Bag Drills, Officers practiced deploying 50/75 foot rescue rope bags, a tool for pulling distressed swimmers to safety.

DWR Sergeant Morris spearheaded the joint initiative with the goal of fostering seamless collaboration between the two agencies, thereby minimizing emergency response times and accelerating patient transit to professional medical care.

A MAJOR THANK YOU:
This training was made possible through the generous support of the local business community. The rescue cradle utilized in the exercises was custom-sewn and donated by Virginia Canvas Works, and subsequently mounted into the vessel by Bayside Marina. Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue and The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources extends its deepest gratitude to these local partners for their tremendous support of our mission to provide professional, timely emergency services. One device can retail for over $5000.00. This would not have been possible without your support.

Virginia Canvas Works
Address: 16700 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121
Phone: (540) 297-7500

Bayside Marina
Address: 500 Shoreline Marina Cir, Moneta, VA 24121
Phone: (540) 721-3664

05/20/2026

With the summer season upon us, the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department stands ready to assist residents and visitors whenever the need arises. Throughout the year, our volunteers train, prepare, and respond to emergencies both on and off the water to help keep our lake community safe.

To continue providing these vital services, we are asking for your support through our 2026 Fund Drive. Your donation helps ensure we have the equipment, training, and resources needed to serve Smith Mountain Lake when it matters most.

Our department is 100% volunteer, and about 60% of our operating income comes from generous donors like you!

Your donations greatly matter! With funds received from the 2026 fund drive, we hope to:
• replace out-of-date personal protective equipment (PPE)
• replace the navigation systems on our boats
• meet our goal of paying off our new fireboat by the end of 2027

Please support the men and women who bravely respond to emergencies on our fireboats, 365 days a year.

We appreciate donations of any amount and thank you for your support!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9UM65NFLX43WG

05/19/2026

** Attention Boaters **
Low water near Hardy Ford Boat Launch is extremely hazardous!

Last night, the Hardy Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched along with Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire & Rescue for a watercraft emergency with 2 boating occupants grounded in the shallow water 125 yards away from the Hardy Ford Boat Launch. Chief 12 established command with Engine12 and began working with the volunteer responders on multiple attempts to free the boat. The deep mud impeded attempts to reach the boat from the shore and ropes were deployed from the shore to the boat for further efforts. Company 11 arrived with 3 personnel and launched a watercraft to assist from the water. After attempts to free the boat using the Co11 watercraft were unsuccessful, Utility12 was dispatched to the far shore where joint efforts were able to help pull the stuck boat back towards the channel to where Co11 could successfully tow it back to the boat launch.

05/16/2026

Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) is a hidden danger that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. It happens when electricity leaks into the water from a boat or dock with faulty wiring.

How to stay safe:
- Don't swim near electric docks, boats, or marinas. Turn off all power at the breaker before swimming, and do not swim when a boat/jet ski cradle is touching the water.
- Always wear a life jacket when swimming around the dock.
- Know the signs. If you feel a tingle or numbness, don't head toward the dock to get out. Swim away and alert others of the danger.
- If you see someone in trouble, DO NOT jump in. Turn off the power and call 911. Use a floatation device or non-conductive body hook to pull them in.
- Pay attention to all signs and turn off all power at the breaker before swimming.
- Only use listed and labeled marine grade extension cords and never allow them to touch the water.
- Regularly have electrical systems and related components tested and verified by a licensed electrician every 3-5 years.

Spread the word about ESD. It could help save a life this summer.

05/12/2026

Thank you SMLAWSC for all you do to help keep us safe!

New channel markers and the low water levels highlighted the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) Water Safety Council meeting on May 6. The new lateral navigation signs and markers have

05/10/2026

We wish all Moms a special day today!

05/08/2026

It was our pleasure to have the kindergarteners class from Dudley Elementary School visit us today. We hope we created some great memories for them!!