Operation Dry Water - June 28-30

[mwardncsu]

From the VA-DGIF Outdoor report:
www.dgif.virginia.gov/outdoor-report/2013/06/26/

WARNING
Increased BUI Enforcement
June 28-30, 2013
Never Boat Under the Influence!

Virginia boaters, take note that June 28th-30th, Conservation Police Officers with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) will be patrolling Virginia's waterways looking for boat operators with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is dangerous. Nationwide, over 17% of boating-related fatalities are a result of alcohol use. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. They can slow reaction times, impair vision and lead to boating accidents. In Virginia, operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher is illegal. Penalties may include fines, jail, impoundment of boats, and loss of boating privileges. Curbing the number of alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities is key to achieving a safer and more enjoyable environment for recreational boating.

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit operationdrywater.org.

Not sure why they need to say "hey, we are going to be watching THIS weekend" - but at least it is a good reminder - I hope everyone keeps it in mind not just this weekend, but the 4th weekend and every weekend - regardless of if DGIF or other are specifically on the lookout.....

[CorneliaGale]

Also a reminder the fireworks will be Saturday night at Parkway Marina, so if you are in the area remember its a no wake zone through there Saturday night.

[2 oars & a trash can]

To clarify, these are 2 different weekends. The fireworks at Parkway are next weekend (July 6).
www.smlfireworks.org/

[smltarheel]

Fireworks will also be at Mitchells Marina on July 5th. Aprrox. 9:45 PM. Channel marker C-3A. Vehicle Parking will be very limited.

[CorneliaGale]

No one told me about the one at Mitchells, will have to see if I can get someone to cover it
thanks

[jon]

Is there anywhere away from the crowds where you can still see the fireworks from a distanceon on the water? I would like to take the kids up there but don't want to get in the middle of all the action. I'll need to get back to Hales Ford Bridge to take out when its over.

thanks,
Jon

[mwardncsu]

You can get there early and then after just hang out till the masses depart and let things settle and then make your way back - find a spot in a cut or cove off the main channel or down near the mountain. Get there early, pack a picnic supper or at least some snacks and non-acolholic beverages and enjoy the show - and the fireworks too

[BentRod]

Watch from the bottom of the scurve around Strawberry banks. High tail it when they're over.

[jon]

I might try to see them from around the eagles roost. I have 2 small kids that only last a litle while in the boat.

Another question:

Are any places better than others to get gas at the lake? Hopefully close to the bridge...

Jon

[BentRod]

On the water? Captains qtrs or Bridgewater..haven't ever had any problems. Expensive though. Off the water..I don't know but the Duck Inn has an ethanol free pump. Kroger gas scares me..it sets off every sensor on my truck..afraid to put it in my boat.

[jon]

I try to use the ethanol free normally but I just rented a slip and have never gotten gas on the lake before.

Jon