LakeAnna 2017/2018

on the lake|water safety
Keep Water Sports Safe
and Fun for Everyone
We all look forward to those
warm summer days when we
can head to the lake, get our
swimwear on and get on the
water for some much-needed relaxation and fun.
We are anxious to enjoy whatever it may be to
make those long-lasting memories on the water.
There are all types of boats and all types of
water sports that us lakers like to do: fishing,
jet skiing, paddle boarding, wake boarding,
wake surfing, knee boarding, tubing, kayaking,
swimming and just splashing around are a few
of our favorite water sports. Everyone should
be able to do the things that makes them love
coming to Lake Anna. However, we all need to
realize that we aren’t the only ones looking to
enjoy the water. We need to have some respect
and think of the safety of our fellow lakers.
To our friends pulling a towable, wake
boarding kneeboarding or wake surfing—do not
just blow by that fisherman setting there. Instead,
try idling by him and ask if he’s having any
luck. Don’t throw a wake at the paddle boarder
or kayaker because it’s fun to see if they fall off
or can handle the wake. To our fisherman and
paddle boarder or kayaker, do not curse at the
wake boarder or wake surfer who’s out there
enjoying their day. Instead, meet them and ask
how they do those tricks.
To all of us out on the water, we need to
have some consideration for the families on
their dock, swimming in their common area or
waterfront with their kids or grandkids trying to
pass down family traditions and make their own
lake life memory. There is more traffic on Lake
Anna and our surrounding lakes then there has
ever been, and we as a lake community need to
come together and help one another for safety
reasons and because it’s what you do as a laker.
So, next time you’re on the water doing
your favorite thing and you see a fellow laker,
stop and get to know them. If they are doing
something that is not safe or shows no etiquette,
don’t assume they are rude, assume that they
don’t know the rules and boater etiquette and
help them out politely. Point out what they are
doing, such as being too close to docks or the
shoreline; passing boaters; following too close
to a person in tow; power turning after a rider
falls; circling again and again in a small cove
creating a rifle wave or taking blind turns at a
fast speed. Ask them to take responsibility for
their boat wake and watch out for the rest of
their fellow lakers.
We all want to enjoy the lake and we can! We
just need to keep all these things in mind when
we are out there enjoying our day and help
others enjoy there’s as well.
Have a safe and friendly boat season and see
ya on the water!
LARRY AND DENISE SMITH
Wake Edger’s Gear and Gifts
Bringing family, friends and fun together
54 LAKE ANNA GUIDE | 2017/2018