A child was injured in a boating accident on Smith Mountain Lake Saturday evening, authorities said.
The 12-year-old was wakeboarding behind a personal watercraft when he hit a dock, according to Lt. Tony Fisher of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Fisher said the boy was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he is being held for observation.
When towing skiers or others behind any boat, Fisher cautions operators to have an observer who can watch the person on the towrope while the operator drives.
He said the law does not require an observer if the boat meets certain specifications, but having an observer is safer.
“It’s a good idea to have an extra set of eyes,” he said.
Fisher also cautions operators to make sure they have enough space when towing a skier or wake boarder.
“The tow rope creates an exaggerated turn, increasing the amount of space you need to turn safely,” he said.
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