MONETA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is ramping up patrols in anticipation of a busy, and extended, Fourth of July holiday on Smith Mountain Lake. Warm weather and multiple fireworks shows are expected to bring even more boaters to an already busy lake.
Conservation police prepare for Fourth of July crowds on Smith Mountain Lake
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Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources 1st Sgt. Tim Dooley powers up his patrol boat on Smith Mountain Lake
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources 1st Sgt. Tim Dooley inspects navigation buoys near the Smith Mountain Lake State Park on Thursday.
Joe Morgan of Beckley, W.Va. offers his phone with his fishing license to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Officer 1st Class Shane Wilson. Conservation officers are increasing their patrols at Smith Mountain Lake in the days leading up to the Fourth of July.
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources 1st Sgt. Tim Dooley (right) and Officer 1st Class Shane Wilson patrol Smith Mountain Lake.
Officer 1st Class Shane Wilson of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources observes a personal watercraft passing by on Smith Mountain Lake.
Whenever a Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources officer stops a boater, officers confirm the craft carries a working fire extinguisher.
Boater Fray West of Richmond (center) hands Officer 1st Class Shane Wilson of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources his boat registration as 1st Sgt. Tim Dooley observes.
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources 1st Sgt. Tim Dooley (right) and Officer 1st Class Shane Wilson use binoculars to see if boaters on Smith Mountain Lake are wearing life jackets. While not required to be worn, all boaters are required to have one available as well as personal flotation device on board.
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