Continue to follow CDC Guidance related to COVID-19 and remember these essentials.
Visitor Centers operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are now open at Falls, B. Everett Jordan, W. Kerr Scott, Philpott, and John H. Kerr Lakes. Each location has a slightly different plan to reduce public exposure while inside of their Visitor Centers. Check out each lakes Facebook page or contact us for more information.
Be prepared with enough drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Keep alert for signs of heat related illnesses. Keep in mind, parking lots often fill up so bring enough supplies for the length of your outing.
Make wearing life jackets a top priority for all ages when visiting the lake. Know and understand the differences between swimming in a pool and swimming in a lake. They're much different! Watch for steep drop offs, hidden objects below the surface, boat traffic and more. The best place to swim is at a designated swimming area. If you need help finding a place, give us a call!
Respect the limitations of everyone in your group - Swimming to an object in the lake, is often farther than it appears. Learn more about the 7 Deadly Swims.
Before each boating adventure, perform a safety check of your vessel. It is your responsibility to make sure you have all the required equipment on board such as life jackets, throwable device, certificate of number (state registration), fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, sound producing devices, and whatever additional items Federal and your state’s (NC & VA) laws require. Check your engine, ventilation, backfire flame arrestor, electrical systems, and trailer before you go too!
Last, from our work family to your family, please wear a life jacket when on or near the water! Even good swimmers have drowned in the lakes your planning to visit. If you've forgotten your life jackets, there are free loaner ones available.
Take care and be safe! Make wearing life jackets a new family tradition!