West Virginia Explorer - A guide to whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, travel and history and culture in WV

Boating Safety 
on West Virginia Lakes

Thousands of ponds and lakes pepper the mountains of West Virginia, and all but a few have been created by dams. Take special precautions when boating on any state waterway, but please familiarize yourself with some of the special hazards created at impoundments.

  • Know your boat -- each boat has its own purpose. Use your boat correctly.
  • Always wear a life jacket while riding on a boat.
  • Make sure an adult is operating the boat.
  • Don't go on the boat if the operator has been drinking alcohol.
  • Ride a personal watercraft only with an experienced adult driver.
  • Don't stand while a small boat is moving
  • Don't sit on the gunwale or bow of a moving boat.
  • Know your West Virginia's laws governing boating and fishing.
  • Never boat just above or just below a dam.
  • Do not go past buoys, signs, ropes or lights that warn of a dam.
  • Don't boat or paddle near a low level dam.
  • Stay away from canals -- currents and undertows hide beneath the surface.
  • Lakes and rivers may obscure dangers beneath the surface: Watch for fallen trees and broken limbs.
  • Remember that cold water can cause hypothermia.
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Raleigh General Hospital

Southern West Virginia's premiere medical center, Raleigh General Hospital provides the most-extensive medical care possible at the junction of southern West Virginia's interstates in Beckley.

Click to Visit the Raleigh General Hospital Web Site!
Visit Raleigh General Hospital's Site

Should you require medical attention on your visit to southern West Virginia, Raleigh General may quickly be reached by expressway from anywhere in the area. From Lewisburg, follow Interstate 64 west to exit 44 at Beckley. From Princeton, follow Interstate 77 north to exit 44 at Beckley. From Fayetteville, follow U.S. 19 south to Interstate 77, then travel south one mile to exit 44.  [ Map to Raleigh General ]

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