Beginning this holiday weekend, Laker Weekly on a weekly basis will list accidents and incidents of note around Smith Mountain Lake as reported by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to keep readers informed and keep safety in the forefront.

To avoid boating collisions, take a boating safety course, always have a designated driver and follow the rules of the road. Lt. Tony Fisher, of VDGIF, said boaters should either wear life preservers or have them readily available.

Last week:

• June 26: Collision involving a bass boat and a personal watercraft in Franklin County. Non-reportable as far as damage to vessels, but reported personal injury.

• June 28: Carl Grove of Goodview was piloting a personal watercraft while towing his 12-year-old son on a wakeboard at the end of Beaver Dam Creek around 5:30 p.m. When Grove made a wide turn, his son was thrown into a dock and sustained head injuries.

-- Laurie Edwards