By Bill Hariu – June 2026

One of the most important safety systems on your boat is your set of navigation lights. With the LACA fireworks approaching on Saturday July 4, 2026, see the LACA website for fireworks details and please use proper navigation lights if on the water. Also, whenever you are operating your watercraft between sunset and sunrise, or in other times of restricted visibility, such as in fog or rain, you need to display the appropriate navigation lights so that other boats can see you and take appropriate action to avoid a collision.

It is also required by the Virginia Boating Laws enforced by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). For detailed interactive diagrams or specific vessel lengths, refer to the Virginia DWR Boaters Guide. Always ensure your lights are visible and meet the legal requirements before heading out on the water. In general, all navigation light systems include red and green sidelights, which indicate the port and starboard side of your boat, as well as one or more white lights.

The rules for what navigation lights to display depend on several factors including:

◦   Boat length: e.g. different rule if under or over 12 meters (39.4ft)

◦   Whether boat is powered by an engine

◦   Where boating, e.g. inland or international waters

◦   Whether at anchor

Remember that it's your responsibility to have the proper navigation lighting. Even if you just purchased a new boat, you should check to ensure that you've got the correct lights for safe, and legal boating. It's also important that you have a flashlight on board, as you never know when a navigation light might burn out.

PORT AND STARBOARD REMINDER:

To remember port and starboard, use the phrase "Left Port” - both words have four letters, and Port is the left side (colored red). Alternatively, remember "Starboard is Right" - both contain the letter 'R'. Port is left (red), and starboard is right (green) when facing forward towards the bow of your vessel.

WHITE LIGHT REMINDER:

Stern light: This white light is seen only from behind (stern) or nearly behind the vessel.

Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. If you see a white light at night, you're approaching one of the following: a boat from behind, a non-powered boat, or an anchored boat.

Captain - Don't be the boater with docking lights on:

The last couple of years there's been a rise in new boaters on Lake Anna, and many have bought pontoon boats. Do yourself a favor and don't be this person below boating with both the dock lights and the navigation lights on while underway. Remember to turn off your docking lights when operating a watercraft.

Docking lights are great when used properly, but they blind everyone on the water when not used correctly, including the person on the dock helping to grab a line. It's illegal in Virginia to navigate waterways with them on, and just rude. If you see someone doing this, please talk to them diplomatically as a fellow boater and let them know the proper ways of using docking lights.

Below is a picture of a pontoon boat illegally operating with their docking lights on. Please do not do this.

Proper use of Dock Lights and Right-of-way Rules:

Boat dock lighting requirements focus on safety, visibility for navigation, and environmental regulations, generally requiring low-mounted, shielded, downward-facing fixtures to prevent blinding boaters and minimize light pollution.

•   Blinding Floodlights: Avoid high, bright, unshielded lights that shine into the eyes of approaching boaters.

•   Misusing Docking Lights: Docking lights on boats are not intended for general navigation and should only be used in the final few feet of approach to the dock or ramp.

•   No Impairment: No other lights can be exhibited that could be mistaken for standard navigation lights or impair visibility to you or other boaters.

•   Unsafe Electrical: Ensure all fixtures and wiring are minimum IP66-rated or better for marine environments,

•   Nighttime "give way" and "stand on" boating rules: Whenever you meet another boat, it’s like approaching an unmarked intersection in your car. Knowing a few, simple right-of-way rules will help you avoid a collision. Just as motorists must know what to do when approaching a four-way stop, every crossing on the water is like approaching an unmarked intersection.

At night, "give way" and "stand on" boating rules dictate which vessel must yield and which must maintain course and speed. These responsibilities are determined entirely by the color and position of the navigation lights you see, which helps you quickly identify the angle and direction of other boats.

•   Rules apply to vessels in all conditions of visibility. Rules are the same at night or in fog, as they are during a sunny day.

•   Every vessel must always maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing. Operator inattention and not having an adequate lookout are a leading cause of boating accidents each year.

Boat Navigation Lights:

•   Red Light: This is the port (left) side light. Seeing a red light means you are looking at another boat's left side.

•   Green Light: This is the starboard (right) side light. Seeing a green light means you are looking at another boat's right side.

•   White Light: Often the stern light (back of the boat) or an all-around anchor light for a boat at anchor.

As the Give-Way Vessel (boat that must yield):

You are the Give-Way vessel if a boat is approaching and you see their Red navigation light crossing your path. This means the other boat has the right-of-way. 

•   Action Required: Make an early, obvious, and substantial change in course or speed.

•   Rule of thumb: Alter your course to pass safely behind the other vessel. Never cross in front of the Stand-On vessel (the boat that holds course).

As the Stand-On Vessel (boat that has the right-of-way)

if a boat is approaching and you see their Green navigation light. 

•   Action Required: Maintain your current course and speed.

•   The Catch: If the Give-Way vessel fails to act or a collision becomes unavoidable, the Stand-On vessel is legally required to take evasive action to avoid the crash.

Common Night Boating Scenarios:

•   Crossing: If you see a green light crossing from left to right, you are the Stand-On vessel. If you see a red light crossing from right to left, you are the Give-Way vessel.

•   Meeting Head-On: If you see both red and green lights directly ahead, there is no Stand-On or Give-Way vessel. Both boats must alter course to starboard (right) so they pass port-to-port (left side to left side).

•   Overtaking: If you are coming up behind another boat and only see their white stern light, you are the Give-Way vessel. You can pass on either side but must keep well clear. 

Operating in a Narrow Channel:

First and foremost, you must avoid larger vessels that can only travel in a channel. Even if your vessel is operating under the rules, you must give way to a boat that could potentially run aground or get into a collision if they left the channel. Try and operate on the edge of the channel. Be extra cautious if you come to a bend in the waterway and can’t see traffic coming towards you. You may sound a prolonged blast as a warning to traffic headed your way.

 Emergency Engine Cut-Off Switch lanyard:

As of April 2021, federal law requires boaters to wear an Emergency Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) lanyard when operating on plane or above displacement speed. This rule applies to boats under 26 feet with 3+ horsepower, and the switch must be attached to the operator's clothing, PFD, or body.

•   The Law: The U.S. Coast Guard requires the ECOS to be used on "covered recreational vessels" when in motion. 

•   Why It's Critical: It prevents "runaway boat" scenarios, where an operator is thrown overboard and the vessel continues to circle, risking propeller strikes.

•   Best Practices:

Attachment: Clip the lanyard to your belt, PFD, or ankle to   prevent it from restricting arm movement.

Versatility: Use it while docking or in high-traffic areas, not just at high speeds.

Wireless: Consider wireless, wearable kill switches that     offer more movement than traditional coiled lanyards.

•   Maintenance: Always keep a spare lanyard on board, as they can break or get lost.

•   Motor Shuts Off: If the motor stops unexpectedly, the first thing to check is that the kill switch is fully secured. 

For more details on the exact equipment required in Virginia waters, you can check the Virginia DWR Required Boat Equipment Guide or the DWR Boaters Guide. 

 The 3 R rule in Boating: This rule stands for Recognize, React, and Recover. This is a safety guideline reminding boaters to identify hazards early, take proper action to avoid them, and regain safe control afterward.

Finally, as a boater, you have a responsibility to all other boaters – and all others who enjoy the water – to be courteous and respectful of others. This means that you should always watch your boat noise, avoid congested waters as much as possible, avoid disturbing wildlife and grass, and look out for the safety and well-being of other boaters by giving a hand to those in need.

onnenpekka1@hotmail.com

By Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt – June 2026

The need for emergency medical care at Lake Anna seems to be approaching a critical mass. A growing coalition of Lake Anna residents have been working to address a longstanding concern: the absence of a local healthcare facility in one of Virginia’s most popular lake communities. Advocates – including retirees, medical professionals, and community leaders – are seeking solutions despite years of setbacks and regulatory hurdles. Now they are asking more people to join them.

A Persistent Healthcare Gap

Advocate Susan Biondi, a retired registered nurse who worked in critical care for 25 years and who lives in Spotsylvania County, recalls several incidents during her early years at Lake Anna that highlight the critical need for a nearby Freestanding Emergency Department (FSED).

“EMS can only do so much, and if time is of the essence, they need to medevac,” Biondi said, referencing serious injuries on the lake that have required helicopter transport to trauma-designated hospitals.

The “golden hour” is a critical concept in emergency medicine, especially in trauma care, she explained. It refers to the first 60 minutes following a traumatic injury in which prompt medical treatment is believed to offer the best chance of survival and optimal outcomes. The idea is that rapid intervention such as controlling bleeding, restoring breathing, and stabilizing vital signs can significantly reduce the risk of death or long-term complications.

For example, one 11-year-old girl was tubing on Lake Anna and crashed headfirst into a dock. Another time, a 15-year-old crashed a jet ski. Both times, Biondi was nearby and intervened, drawing from her experience as a nurse. Both events required medevac transport to a trauma center.  Local EMS units who responded said it would take too long to transport individuals to a hospital by ground.

“It makes sense to have a freestanding ED [emergency department],” Biondi said. “If they are worried there are not enough rooftops, as they say, referring to population, they are missing out on all the people who vacation here year-round. Those people could be using the ancillary equipment year-round, such as x-ray, MRI, laboratory, CT and ultrasound. There is an increasing number of people projected to move into the area in the next few years as hundreds of new homes are being planned right now, including the 900 units planned in the new Tributor Resort at Lake Anna.”

She added that there are many events in the community such as triathlons, 5K, and 10K races – in addition to boating and lake activities – where the potential need for medical care is heightened. 

Rachel Farrar is owner of Lake Anna Integrative Care, a local practice that provides some urgent health services (submitted photos).

Engagement with Providers and Developers

On June 14, 2024, Biondi – who has also served as the elected secretary of the Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) for the last 15 years – attended a meeting with local residents. Three of the people at this gathering were nurses, and others in attendance included members of LACA’s Safety and Emergency Services Committee and concerned citizens.

The group compared urgent care centers and FSEDs, noting that a certificate of need from the state of Virginia is required for the latter. Discussions included the challenges of ambulance travel times. The nearest hospital is at least 29 miles from the lake’s center, with other facilities 32 to 42 miles away. Ambulances – which cannot transport patients to urgent care centers – may be out of service for extended periods after lengthy roundtrips. 

Biondi said one of the main concerns and differences between an urgent care facility and a freestanding emergency department is that urgent care has limited hours, a limited number of services, and is most likely closed during the evening until dawn.  “An emergency department is open 24/7/365,” she emphasized.

The group also addressed technicalities such as location, development proffers, and the importance of involving Boards of Supervisors from local counties in future discussions. With approximately 50,000 annual visitors to Lake Anna State Park and a growing full-time retirement population, attendees argued that the demand justifies a local emergency care facility.

A follow-up meeting on July 1, 2024 included several county supervisors. Participants learned that UVA Healthcare had not responded to inquiries about expanding services into the area.

According to a February 2025 article in The Central Virginian, The M Group Real Estate agency – led by Melanie Lucero and her husband Mike Boyce – has offered a commercial development on Route 208 as a potential site. Their proposed 90,000-square-foot complex on 15 acres east of the Mineral Food Lion has completed wetland and survey work, and plans are being finalized for submission to builders. They are committed to developing the complex and leasing space to a healthcare provider, with hopes that the building will be complete by early 2026 (pending permits).

Lucero and Boyce have reached out to major healthcare providers about establishing an urgent care center in their facility. Most responses cited an insufficient year-round population to sustain operations. Nonetheless, they intend to include additional office space to attract physician practices and ancillary services such as imaging, laboratory, and radiology, which could support the facility during the slower winter months.

Community feedback has been robust. A Belmont Center meeting hosted by Lucero and Boyce saw overwhelming local support for a healthcare facility. Boyce shared a personal account of suffering a heart attack elsewhere, stating that his outcome might have been different if it had occurred at Lake Anna due to the lack of urgent care.

Susan Biondi, retired nurse and area resident, advocates for bringing a freestanding emergency department to Lake Anna (submitted photo).

Local Medical Services: Current Offerings and Limitations

Rachel Farrar, FNP, PMHNP, owns Lake Anna Integrative Care in Mineral and offers same-day appointments for primary care and minor illnesses. The office conducts basic in-house testing but does not manage emergencies, fractures, or provide on-site imaging.

“For true emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, and abdominal pain, people should go to the nearest emergency department. We are not equipped to treat those,” Farrar explained. Currently, the practice does not accept insurance for visits, though ordered labs and imaging can be billed through patients’ insurance providers.

In January 2026, UVA Health released a press release describing its expansion in Louisa County to increase access to primary and specialty care for Central Virginia residents. UVA Medical Park Zion Crossroads brings an estimated 50,000 additional appointment slots annually. However, emergency room care is still not available.

“We want to ensure patients can receive the highest-quality care at a time and place that is convenient for them,” said Mitchell Rosner, MD, chief executive officer for UVA Health and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Virginia. “This additional space at Zion Crossroads will enable us to serve significantly more patients in a welcoming environment.”

Almost 12,000 square feet on the second floor of the medical park was built out to add 30 exam and consult rooms along with a laboratory suite for blood testing. In addition to expanding access to existing services, the space enables UVA Health to add adult allergy and inflammatory bowel disease care.

“A key component of our 10-year strategic plan is easy access to care for the patients we serve across Virginia and beyond,” said Jason Lineen, UVA Health’s chief strategy officer. “This expansion at Zion Crossroads is an important step in achieving that goal.”

Advocacy and Community Voices

The campaign for emergency care at Lake Anna is not new. In 2022, a LACA survey of nearly 900 people showed significant concern about the lack of local emergency services. The issue gained urgency in 2023 when a neighbor of resident Kimberly Wolfe nearly died from a stroke, motivating her to mobilize community action. What began as a small luncheon expanded into a broader effort, including appearances before county boards and outreach to state legislators.

Despite these efforts, county supervisors from Spotsylvania and Louisa have cited insufficient population density as a barrier to securing a certificate of need for a new FSED or urgent care facility. The estimated cost for an urgent care center is $4–5 million, while a FSED could require $15–20 million. Based on seasonal population spikes, advocates estimate the facility could see up to 45 patients per day, short of the 65–75 patients needed for financial viability. Amenities under consideration include CT and MRI imaging, laboratory, ultrasound, and x-ray services.

In the previously-mentioned article in The Central Virginian, Lucero was quoted as saying, “We have gotten a lot of ‘no’s,’ but we do have some good leads right now… this is right in the heart of Lake Anna, and what I’m hearing right now has just been a unanimous desire to have this.”

Readers are encouraged to use this QR code to take a survey to show interest in bringing emergency healthcare services to Lake Anna (submitted image).

Regional Context and Legislative Efforts

Community members continue to express strong support for improved healthcare access. James Moore, Jr., a Mineral resident, described the healthcare gap facing the region.

“Currently, the closest acute care hospital facilities to my home are as follows. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center: 31 miles. UVA Culpeper Medical Center: 32 miles. Mary Washington Hospital: 32 miles. UVA Medical Center Charlottesville: 47 miles. Fauquier Hospital: 54 miles. Bon Secours Regional Medical Center: 57 miles,” he said.

“With the populations of Orange, Culpeper, Louisa, and western Spotsylvania counties increasing dramatically, as well as aging, it seems like there should be plans underway for the Commonwealth to issue additional hospital Certificates of Need to expand access to acute care services in these areas,” Moore continued. “It’s basically a minimum of a 45-minute drive in any direction for me to get acute care, so even a smaller critical-access hospital with an attached emergency department would be a very welcome addition.”

Moore added that he has reached out to state delegate Philip Scott, who responded that while efforts to reform the Certificate of Need process are ongoing, progress is slow.

Spotsylvania resident Jennifer Holaday also shared her personal challenges.

“We finally just moved down here full-time from Northern Virginia (NoVa),” she said. “We bought our house in 2019. I have some significant health issues. I have stage four breast cancer and travel every three weeks to NoVa for treatment because I love my doctors.”

While every three weeks is not too taxing, she said, “It’s the in-between that is problematic and scary to me. Being immune-compromised and not having any there local to get treated for other things has sent me up to NoVa for fevers and colds or just waiting it out and not seeing anyone at all. Additionally, my mother has recently moved in with us and has been having her own issues. The day before Christmas Eve, I drove her up to an ER in Haymarket for a UTI. It would be amazing to not have to drive for support. We love being down here, but not having good medical care when needed is tough.”

Holaday also noted the significant number of visitors at the lake, not just in the summer, but throughout the year. “Having emergency care at Lake Anna would be equally great to have for those visiting,” she said.

Bumpass resident Judy Alspaugh Beardsworth commented, “It is so needed in our community. Thank you so much for addressing what is probably the most important thing needed at Lake Anna.”

Biondi often volunteers at the Mineral Farmers Market, where LACA participates to recruit new members.  She said that on several occasions, she was told potential newcomers to the lake community are basing their decision on the availability of emergency services and care.

With ongoing meetings, advocacy, and development plans in motion, Lake Anna residents remain determined to secure emergency medical services closer to home. The next steps for advocates include gathering local fire and rescue statistics to further demonstrate the necessity of a local emergency facility.  Biondi said reaching out to surrounding county departments of tourism and acquiring off-season real estate rental statistics are also being considered. 

This is an ongoing situation, and this article is current as of the time of the writing. Cited source: “Urgent Care facility at Lake Anna?” (John Hajduk III, Reporter, The Central Virginian, Feb. 26, 2025)

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt is a Louisa County resident, author, and award-winning poet. Learn more about her at KatherineGotthardt.com.

By Steve Lucas, Board Chair, Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District – June 2026

In spite of the drought, the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District has been diligently working to improve the quality of the water flowing into Lake Anna and the Chesapeake Bay.  The district is currently administrating state and federal grants that connect residents to resources that address water quality concerns.  These programs include the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP), the Virginia Agriculture Cost Share Program (VACS), and Goldmine Creek Watershed Septic Program.

The VCAP provides funding for small scale projects that aim to reduce runoff and erosion concerns by implementing practices to increase water infiltration through the use of native plants as well as offering systems for storing water for later dispersal.  Some of these practices include rain gardens, native species meadow plantings, and rainwater harvesting.  In fiscal year 2026, 2 projects have been planned and completed in Louisa County. One rain garden was installed around Lake Anna to capture 1,191sqft of impervious runoff that had been contributing to erosion and sediment loss on a slope leading down to Lake Anna.

The VACS program, on the other hand, is directed at agricultural operations preventing nutrients and sediments from entering waterways.  Fencing cattle out of streams, improving grazing management, and planting cover crops are a few of the measures farmers in Louisa County are taking to protect water quality.  Since July 1, 2025, over 7 miles of fence has been constructed creating over 64 acres of buffers in Louisa County.

The Goldmine Watershed Septic Program addresses septic system issues in an area that runs roughly from the northern town limits of Louisa to Lake Anna east of Blue Ridge Shores.   This program provides financial assistance for pump-outs, repairs, and replacements of septic systems.  In fiscal year 2025, 4 homeowners projects were completed.

In the spring, high schools across the nation put together teams to participate in a competition called Envirothon.  These events test the student’s skills and knowledge in natural resources including water quality, soil science, and wildlife.  Two teams from Louisa County High School have consistently placed high at the regional and state level.  The Thomas Jefferson District also sponsors high school students to attend the Youth Conservation Camp and provides scholarships for college students majoring in environmental fields.  These young people are the ones who will take on the challenges of environmental stewardship in the future.

Thanks to the partnership between funding agencies, Louisa County homeowners, landowners, students and the Thomas Jefferson SWCD, when the drought ends, cleaner water will flow into Lake Anna with the promise of a new generation to take on the challenges.

By Harry Looney and Mark Debord – June 2026

Over the course of three weeks in April, representatives of LACA, Lake Anna State Park, and Dominion Energy provided a “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience” (MWEE) to high school students in the Albemarle County school systems. Approximately 800 students from Albemarle, Monticello and Western Albemarle High Schools attended sessions on water quality, native plant species and learning to fish. The sessions were held at the Ware’s Cove Picnic Area at the State Park.

MWEEs are investigative or experimental projects that engage students in thinking critically about watersheds. They combine classroom instruction with an outdoor experience in the watershed being studied. MWEEs are not intended to be quick, one-day activities; rather, they are extensive projects that allow students to gain a deep understanding of the issue or topic being presented.

Harry Looney, LACA’s Water Quality Chair, provided an overview of LACA’s comprehensive water quality monitoring programs, detailing how routine testing and data collection are vital for protecting the long-term health of the Lake Anna watershed.

A major highlight of the water quality station was our focus on benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring. To bring this biological indicator to life, students waded directly into the lake to conduct their own field sampling. After safely collecting samples from the shallow waters, the students worked together to categorize and identify the various macroinvertebrates they had found. This interactive exercise not only engaged the students in practical scientific methods but also gave them a clear, tangible understanding of how these tiny organisms serve as living barometers for the ecological health of our lake.

Mark DeBord, LACA’s Environmental Preservation Committee Chair, gave students an overview of native and invasive plants in the area and a quick guide to basic plant identification. He then led students on a walk along the shoreline to identify the native and invasive species growing there. Several students planted native species along the shoreline and in a cove near the picnic area.

In addition to the water quality and native and invasive plant activities, the MWEE event featured a station hosted by Lake Anna State Park, where dedicated park rangers taught students about the joys of fishing. The rangers provided hands-on instruction, guiding the students through the basics of casting, handling equipment, and understanding the aquatic life that calls the lake home. This engaging activity not only introduced many students to a rewarding outdoor hobby but also helped foster a deeper, more personal connection to the local ecosystem and the importance of responsible recreational practices.

The MWEE went over well with students and teachers. “We could not have asked for better partners. The collaboration between your teams and ours made this experience meaningful, engaging, and impactful in ways that go far beyond the classroom. It’s clear how much thought and dedication went into every part of the process”, said Shannon Todd Williams, Science Teacher at Albemarle High School, and coordinator for the event.

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org

By Barbara Aikens - May 2026

To promote safe boating on public waters, Virginia has adopted a system of uniform regulatory markers or buoys. Virginia Code mandates that “a system of regulatory markers and a lateral buoyage marking system of aids to navigation be adopted on all public waters of the Commonwealth not marked by an agency of the United States”.  All state laws regarding regulatory waterway markers designating controlled, hazardous, or exclusionary zones are applicable to Lake Anna. Lake Anna does not have navigational markers.

The hundreds of buoys on Lake Anna are critical to the safety of everyone on or in the water, whether they are boating, skiing/wake surfing, jet skiing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.

TYPES OF BUOYS

There are three types of regulatory buoys on Lake Anna.  

Controlled Area:  Signified by an open circle. 

These buoys mark areas where speed, wake, or other activity is controlled for safety reasons.  Found at the bridges, waterfront businesses and marinas, HOA Common Area boat slips, heads of narrow coves, and along the shoreline of individual or groups of waterfront property owners, these buoys comprise the majority of buoys on Lake Anna.  They primarily mark designated areas of NO WAKE/IDLE SPEED and are enforceable by officers patrolling the Lake.  There are also DWR approved NO WAKE SURFING regulatory buoys in the northern channels of the lake where it is generally too shallow or narrow to safely wake surf. 

Danger Area:  Signified by an open diamond. 

Give these a wide berth.  They mark areas that are hazardous to vessel operation – submerged rocks, unexpected shoals and shallows and other underwater hazards. 

Exclusion Area: Signified by a cross in the center of an open diamond.

These mark a limited number of areas on Lake Anna where vessels are prohibited – the dam, in front of the North Anna Nuclear Power Plant, and the area of the effluent pipe at the Lake Anna Townhomes.

The author is not aware of any Informational waterway markers (square symbol) located on Lake Anna.

WHO APPROVES THE PLACEMENT OF BUOYS ON LAKE ANNA?

The placement and removal of ALL buoys (No Wake, Hazard, and Exclusion Area) on the public side of Lake Anna is fully regulated by the Boating Division of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) per Virginia code. The application and approval process is uniform for ALL applicants – businesses, marinas, waterfront property owners, HOAs, the Lake Anna State Park, and the Lake Anna Advisory Committee on behalf of the three counties.  Even Dominion must file an application with DWR to place a marker on the public side. 

Dominion is the sole authority for the placement and removal of all buoys on the WHTF.

The application process begins at the county level. Detailed information on how to apply for a buoy on Lake Anna is available on the Louisa County website at https://www.louisacounty.gov/1800/Buoys. 

Note that the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) does not approve or deny buoy applications.  LAAC serves only in an advisory capacity on behalf of county officials by forwarding their recommendations to DWR or Dominion as part of the overall application process.

WHO OWNS AND MAINTAINS BUOYS ON LAKE ANNA? 

Once the placement of a buoy has been approved by DWR or Dominion, maintenance of that buoy becomes the responsibility of the individual/s, business, or county/agency who made the application.  Any marker or buoy that is not in conformance with state regulations may be removed by DWR. Written approval of DWR or Dominion must be obtained before relocating or removing any buoy.

The Lake Anna Advisory Committee is mandated by Louisa, Spotsylvania, and Orange Counties to maintain over 60 approved buoys.  Currently, LAAC maintains 28 NO WAKE/IDLE SPEED buoys at ten bridges and 38 HAZARD buoys. All are marked with lights which must be replaced on a regular basis.   

HOW DOES LAAC MAINTAIN THE COUNTY BUOYS?

The three counties allocate varying levels of yearly funding to support LAAC’s Buoy Maintenance Program. Those allocations were used solely to procure buoys, lights, rehab materials, and anchoring hardware.

Labor support for the Program was performed by a team of dedicated volunteers managed by Jean McCormick, former Chair of LAAC’s Safety & Navigation Subcommittee. This work included retrieving/setting (often using their personal boats), regularly monitoring, rehab/repair of buoys, outfitting buoys with anchoring systems, and ordering supplies. Much of the maintenance work involves heavy physical labor and many of the volunteers were senior citizens. The Program was fortunate to also have volunteer labor assistance from the Spotsylvania County Dive Team and the former owner of TowBoat US. 

In 2024, the Program lost its primary labor support volunteer when the owner of TowBoat US sold his company. Even then, the volunteers labored to get the work done, sometimes with the assistance of the Spotsylvania County Dive Team. However, it quickly became apparent that this was not a feasible long-term solution. 

Thus, in 2025, LAAC applied for and, in January 2026, was awarded a $9,600 grant from the FY26 Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund.  These funds will now be used to procure supplies, freeing up county allocations to fund labor support services.  LAAC already has a contract in place with the new owners of TowBoat US for labor support services.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT SAFETY ON LAKE ANNA?

We all know that the last few years have witnessed a significant increase in the recreational use of Lake Anna. Moreover, the types of watercraft on the lake have also increased in size, speed, and the amount of wake they generate. These images depict common problems we encounter on a weekly basis in the summer – stolen and vandalized lights, vandalized caps which allow the buoy to take on water and eventually sink, and serious boat strikes.  In addition, buoys drift off location, go missing, and some are simply aging beyond repair. 

Buoy damaged beyond repair by boat strike and failing/sinking buoy

LAAC’s buoys are safety buoys, not convenience buoys.  When they are damaged or go missing, the potential for safety related incidents and accidents increases.  LAAC faces an ever increasing and urgent need to replace or repair damaged and destroyed buoys.  

BUT LAAC can only retrieve and repair buoys in a timely fashion if they know about the problem in a timely fashion. This is how the community can help LAAC keep the lake safe. 

ADOPT A BUOY

LAAC is asking you to spread the word about our new “Adopt A Buoy” Program.  Based on a similar program at Smith Mountain Lake, it is simply an updated version of Jean McCormick’s “Buoy Watchers”.  Adopters select a specific buoy that they can monitor from their homes or businesses on a year-round basis and notify LAAC immediately if they note any problems, damages, vandalism, etc.  LAAC will then record the notifications and establish maintenance priorities.  So far, 29 buoys have been adopted by 13 adopters since launching the Program late last fall.  But...we still have over 30 buoys that need to be adopted! Many of those are on the northern end of the lake.

ADOPT A BUOY

LAKE ANNA ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Adopt-a-Buoy Volunteer Program

Help keep Lake Anna safe by “adopting” one of over 60 Regulatory Buoys owned and maintained by the three counties - either a No Wake Buoy at one of the bridges or a Hazard Buoy. Adopters will monitor a single buoy or set of buoys they can see from their homes or businesses on a regular basis. They will quickly notify LAAC if these buoys are missing or damaged, including lights.

Interested residents please inquire and receive a list of adoptable buoys and their locations.

LAACBUOYS@GMAIL.COM

Barbara Aikens

Lake Anna Advisory Committee, Safety & Navigation Subcommittee Chair

aikensb60@gmail,com

By Jean McCormick - May 2026

The Sea-Doo “SWITCH” has been recalled after multiple capsizes, resulting in several fatalities and injuries, were reported on a safety alert by the U.S. Coast Guard issued on the recall. These capsizings occurred when the vessel was operated with trim by the bow and the bow ‘digging into’ the water the alert reads. Weather conditions and poor seamanship do not appear to be significant contributing factors. 

“The ‘SWITCH’ is designed such that while at rest, the center hull allows water to enter the hull , and while operating on plane, the captured water empties.  However, until the hull completely empties out, trim by the bow can occur, especially with passenger weight forward.  The dynamics are such that any abrupt change in speed or direction could induce forces sufficient to cause capsizing, especially when slowing down toward idle speed.

The recall remedy includes installing three gaskets.  ‘SWITCH’ owners are directed to schedule an appointment with any authorized BRP Sea-Doo ‘SWITCH’ dealer to have the safety recall repair performed.

Until the modifications are made, the Coast Guard strongly recommend Sea-Doo ‘Switch’ operators take the following precautions:

•      Avoid operating with any bow trim and keep weight distribution toward the stern.                  
•      Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction at non-plane speeds.
•      If bow trim occurs, gradually reduce the throttle and reposition passengers farther aft.
•      When approaching coming off of plane, exercise awareness of instability or nosediving.

The Sea-Doo ‘SWITCH’ was introduced in 2022 as an entry level boat:  a 13-to-21 foot tri-hull pontoon boat with jet drive propulsion options from 100-230 hp.  Last fall, the parent company, BOMBARDIER Recreational Products, issued a recall that cites a risk of capsizing due to front end overload.

jean.mccormick@lakeannavirginia.org

By Bill Hariu - May 2026

LACA is guided by a set of by-laws and articles of incorporation. It has met the requirements to be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. LACA is an all-volunteer organization.

Lake Anna Civic Association’s mission is to preserve and protect the cleanliness, beauty, and safe use of Lake Anna and its watershed through communication, advocacy, education, and community involvement to benefit the membership and all lake users.

LACA’s annual election is coming up in a few months, and we encourage members to run for Officer positions & Regional Directors positions. The following LACA positions are up for election this year: Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Treasurer. Also 3 Regional Directors, each shall be elected for two-year (2) terms. Election of Officers and Directors shall be held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting.

All LACA members are eligible to submit their name as a nominee. LACA is always seeking a wider base of membership involvement and looks forward to welcoming new members to the Board. The LACA Board meets the first Thursday of the month and the LACA annual meeting this year is on August 1, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

All officers shall be elected by the membership, and each candidate must be a member in good standing.

The Vice‐President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence, and other duties as may be defined by the Board and shall coordinate the activities of the Committee Chairpersons with the Board.

The Secretary shall prepare the minutes of all meetings and shall be responsible for membership records, correspondence, the corporate books and records, and compliance with applicable state and local corporate reporting requirements.

The Assistant Treasurer shall work with the Treasurer receive, disburse, and account for Association funds; report thereon at each Board meeting; file annual tax returns; and comply with tax exempt reporting requirements. At the discretion of the Board, the Assistant Treasurer may be bonded.

LACA Regional Directors must own or rent property within the Region they represent.

LACA Regional Directors Election for the Following Regions:

Region #2 - Regional Director, 
Region 2 (Jackson/Cuckoo Public Side) is the area of the lake that is the combination of the Cuckoo #1 and Cuckoo #3 voting precincts in the Cuckoo voting district of Louisa County whose members own property that is on the “public side” of Lake Anna.

This is further defined as follows:

East/Northeast of Dikes 1, 2 and 3 to include properties east of Carr’s Bridge Road and North of Burruss Mill Road/Lake Anna Drive (Route 690) up to the common area of Both Waters subdivision and east of Twin Lakes Lane and North of Moody Town Road (Route 622) from where it intersects with Twin Lakes Lane. Also, those properties North of Moody Town and Eastham Road (Route 701) to the Spotsylvania County line.

Region #4 - Regional Director,
Region 4 (Brokenburg) is the area of the lake whose members own property in the Fire Rescue 2 voting precinct in the Livingston voting district of Spotsylvania County.

Region #6 - Regional Director, Region 6 Region 6 (Mineral) is the area of the lake whose members own property in the Mineral #1, voting precinct of Louisa County.

LACA Regional Directors Major responsibilities are:

Support the Mission Work and Objectives of LACA Support the work of your LACA board, preserving and protecting the waters of Lake Anna of Lake Anna.  Attend and contribute to LACA Board Meetings Attend meetings of the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission within their respective regions Coordinate participation in the HOA/POA President’s Council Attend the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) as well as necessary if there is an issue that affects the represented region. Solicit new membership in your Lake Anna Region - Offer to meet with Property Owner Associations and Homeowner Associations of the represented region. Encourage their participation in LACA membership and activities. Establish communication with regional members /communities represented in the 6 regions surrounding Lake Anna as a means to inform constituents of actions taken by LACA and to solicit their input on current and future issues. Support the fight to defeat Harmful Algae Blooms and the No-Swim Advisories that accompany them.

Please submit your nominations before July 1, 2026 by email to

bill.hariu@lakeannavirginia.org 

By Bill Hariu - May 2026

Jack Bertron Award Nominees Sought:

Each year, LACA presents the Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award to an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond on behalf of the Lake Anna community.  Originally known as the LACA Good Neighbor Award, the commendation has been presented at the annual meeting since 1996.  Following the death of Jack Bertron, founder of LACA, the award was renamed in 2002 to recognize his dedication to the Lake Anna community. At the LACA annual meeting, the Association presents JACK BERTRON DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Certificates to selected individuals or organizations.

Last Year 2025 - The prestigious (LACA) Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award was presented to Pat and Jane Gallagher of the Foundation for Lake Anna Emergency Medical Services. This award was for Lake Anna Emergency Services for their efforts to spearhead the establishment of the New Bridge Fire and Rescue facility.  Pat and Jane Gallagher, have made quite an impact on the Lake Anna community by spearheading the efforts to have fire and rescue services located at the lake. And once our New Bridge Station 8 was established, they didn’t sit back and relax.  They have continued to raise money for the extras for the station for the benefit of the lake residents and guests.

Recent past winners of the (LACA) Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award have included Harry Looney, Chris Lee and Elk Creek Farm - the Morris and Chisholm families. Others who have received the honor include the late Louis and Claudia Chisholm, Doug Smith, the late Del. V. Earl Dickinson, George O’Connell, Herb Distefano, Ken Remmers, James Beckley, and Rebecca Vigon.

At the July (LACA) Board meeting, the Board shall approve the Jack Bertron awardees.

Nomination Criteria for (LACA) Jack Bertron Award selection:

1. Nominations should be selected for good work or act(s) performed for the benefit of the LACA membership for the Lake Anna Community in general.

2. The good work or act(s) should be of such significance that great foresight or long and difficult work was demonstrated.

3. The good work or act(s) should be in accord with the mission, goals and objectives of LACA

4. Nominations may be individuals or organizations.

5. You may submit more than one nominee

6. Each Nominee you submit should have a short-written reason for receiving the Award.

7. Nominees do not have to be members of LACA and can include agency or organization representatives that work with LACA committees to better the community.

8. Members of the (LACA) Board normally will not be eligible until after they have completed two terms of distinguished service.

Please send your nominations before July 1, 2026 to: 

bill.hariu@lakeannavirginia.org

By Sarah A. Marshall – February 2026

North Anna Power Station (North Anna, or NAPS), located at Lake Anna in Louisa County, Virginia, is a vital part of Virginia’s energy landscape. It produces over 15% of the energy generated by Dominion Energy in the Commonwealth, over 43% of its carbon-free energy, and provides enough safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity to serve nearly 475,000 homes. The station was named after the North Anna River which was dammed to create Lake Anna (the public side) and the Waste Heat Treatment Facility (WHTF, or the private side).

North Anna is a nuclear power station, composed of two Westinghouse Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 produce roughly 945 MW each. Unit 1 began operations in 1978 and Unit 2 in 1980. In August 2024, The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved second license renewal applications for both units, allowing NAPS to continue to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity through 2058 (Unit 1) and 2060 (Unit 2). In addition, the station supports approximately 800 full-time employees and has provided over $422 million in local tax revenue since it began operations.

North Anna produces electricity by heating water to create steam, which turns a turbine producing electricity. The heat needed to carry out this process is created through nuclear fission. This process of creating heat is the primary difference between a nuclear power station and other traditional power stations (coal, natural gas, oil, biomass) and is what makes nuclear power a clean energy source.

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom to produce carbon-free electricity. This process takes place inside the Reactor Vessel where a Pressurizer keeps water under high pressure so that it heats but does not boil. This is where the name for the type of Unit at North Anna – PWR – comes from.

Once pressurized, the water in the reactor loop carries heat to a Steam Generator, where water in a secondary loop is vaporized into steam. The steam is then pumped into a turbine, pushing giant blades to turn the electrical generator and produce electricity. After turning the turbines, unused steam is cooled and condensed by a third loop of cooling water pumped from Lake Anna a water source through the condenser. The condensed steam -- now water again -- is pumped back into the Steam Generator to be reheated and repeat the process.
 
The pressurized water in the reactor loop, the water in the Steam Generator, and the Lake Anna cooling water are three separate loops and never mix. This also means that the Lake Anna cooling water – which is withdrawn from Lake Anna (public side) and then discharged from North Anna into the Waste Heat Treatment Facility (WHTF, private side) – never comes in contact with the nuclear fuel.

Nuclear energy is by far America’s largest source of clean electricity, emitting no greenhouse gases or air pollutants, while producing substantial amounts of electricity around the clock. The long-term success of North Anna can be tied to the safety and reliability of nuclear fuel as well as the dedication of the employees who work there.

Provided by Dominion Energy

Sarah A. Marshall

By Maureen Daniels – February 2026

It’s that time of year so be sure to add water temperature to the things you should consider before heading out on the water. You likely know what the air temperature is, but do you have any idea what the water temperature is at Lake Anna? As I write this, the temp on Lake Anna is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Dominion Energy website usually posts water temperature for the Lake.

So how could that affect you at this time of year on the water?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a sudden immersion into cold water, even on a warmish, sunny day, can bring on hypothermia in as little as 3-5 minutes. Cold water sucks heat from the body, and the body’s core temperature drops. This can lead to loss of consciousness and, ultimately, death.

Hypothermia happens very quickly.

What are the first symptoms of cold-water shock?

Initial “cold shock” occurs in the first 3-5 minutes of immersion in cold water. Sudden immersion into cold water can cause immediate, involuntary gasping; hyperventilation; panic; and vertigo—all of which can result in water inhalation —and drowning.

All of us know what various air temperatures feel like, so we dress accordingly. Many of us know how chilling that first dip into the Lake in May can feel. Jump in, gasp! Lips might turn blue. Get out, shiver. That is a mild case of hypothermia. Imagine being immersed in that cold water for any length of time. Most of us have never experienced being in extremely cold water, so it is hard to imagine the consequences.

Normal body temperature is about 98.6F. Treat any water temperature below 70F with caution. Swimming in temperatures below 70 degrees can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can put you at risk.

Prepare for the unexpected.

In the fall and winter, you are likely not planning to be in the water. However, capsizing, swamping, and falling overboard are leading causes of cold-water immersion—not planned events.

So, think about this. . .if you end up in the water, do you have a way to get back onto your boat, board, kayak or canoe?

Here’s what you can do to be safe and enjoy your time on the water . . .

1.     Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. It will not do you any good if you end up in the cold water and your life jacket is on the boat or paddle craft. A life jacket will increase your chances of surviving cold-water immersion. Even strong swimmers cannot function when hypothermic.

2.     Be sure whatever vessel you are using is in good shape—gassed up, charged battery, drain plug installed, appropriate paddles/oars.

3.     In paddle craft especially, keep a low center of gravity, distribute weight evenly.

4.     Let someone know that you are out on the water, where you expect to go, and when you plan to come off the water.

What you should do if you do end up in cold water . . .

1.      Try not to panic.

2.      Get your breathing under control

3.      Leave layers of clothing on to help prevent body heat loss

4.      If possible, stay with the vessel and get as much of your body out of the water as possible.

      Remember— your life jacket will help support you.

Lastly, seek medical help as soon as possible, as post-immersion collapse can happen during or after a rescue. A drop in blood pressure can lead to cardiac arrest.

On thin ice . . .

When in doubt, don’t go out! While some parts of the Lake may look like they are completely frozen over, do not take any chances. Ice freezes and thaws at different rates and ice thickness can vary depending on currents, springs, depth and debris in the water. This is another circumstance that puts you at high risk for hypothermia if you were to fall through the ice.

Don’t forget . . .

Protect your pets! They can be susceptible to the same health issues and life-threatening circumstances when in cold water. If it is too cold for you to be in the water, it could be too cold for them, as well. If you are not comfortable going out on the ice, don’t let your pets venture out either.

mo.daniels@lakeannavirginia.org

Chair, Safety & Emergency Services Committee