With the Fourth of July just days away, families across Southwest Virginia are gearing up to hit the water. But before heading out, officials are urging boaters, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts to put safety first.

The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire and Rescue team responded to a boating incident that injured one Sunday, according to officials.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is reminding people to stay sober and always wear a lifejacket when boating this summer season.

The Department of Wildlife Resources is urging safe boating ahead of the Fourth of July: avoid alcohol, wear life jackets, and remember, "throw, don’t go."

Monday is the unofficial kick-off to summer, meaning businesses on the lake are preparing for a busy season.

These sunny days are giving people the itch to head outside and get in and on the water, and with Memorial Day weekend coming up, Smith Mountain Lake is expecting the crowds.

Conservation Police arrested three people and reported one tubing crash during the July 4th holiday weekend at Smith Mountain Lake.

Claytor Lake State Park officials are providing some safety tips for the water ahead of the holiday weekend.

Two people are hurt after a jet ski incident in the Spooky Hollow of Claytor Lake, Pulaski County Emergency Management officials said.

It seems as if there’s an Airbnb-type site for everything these days.

Those along the Great Lakes and rivers near Detroit and Canada have taken notice of a special boat that’s been sailing those waters this summer.

Labor Day weekend on the Smith Mountain Lake will be all hands on deck for conservation police.

ROANOKE, Va. – Some of you out there planning to go on a boat ride this year will now be able to keep some extra money in your wallet. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced Thursday that it’s extending the start date of a new boat ramp fee. The $23 annual fee, or $4 daily fee, was originally enacted on January 1 for people without a boating registration, fishing license, hunting license or access permit. By extending the fee’s start date to July 1, 2022, DWR said it now has the chance to talk with stakeholders and decide the best way to fund recreational access sites without putting economic pressures on outfitters, education providers and others. DWR hopes to meet with stakeholders within the next few months and then issue a report of the group’s findings by December 1.

Director of Operations Calvin Curry said the world is a different place since staff last saw the kids, between COVID-19 to demands for justice and racial equity. Theyre going to have to have some tough talks about race and discrimination, what kids are seeing on TV and in their local communities. Admit to our students, that unfortunately, in this country, in this world, some people are unfairly treated based on race, based on gender, based on age, said Curry. Aside from police, are there other people that need to be held accountable for the unjust treatment of African Americans? Turner asked Kaine. Asking our students to model the kind of behavior to help change this nation, said Curry.