ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, April 18, 1997                 TAG: 9704180074
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: B-1  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: MONETA
SOURCE: JENNIFER HUANG THE ROANOKE TIMES

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE PATROLS NOW HAVE RADAR BOAT'S HELP COAST GUARD LENDS CRAFT TO AUXILIARY

Coast Guard Auxiliary members had been using their own boats to respond to emergencies.

Through darkness, rain and fog, members of the Smith Mountain Lake Coast Guard Auxiliary can now patrol one of Virginia's busiest boating areas.

For the first time, the U.S. Coast Guard loaned one of its radar-equipped vessels to the civilian group responsible for enforcing boating safety at Smith Mountain Lake.

The 38-member unit has been the only Coast Guard presence at the lake since the Coast Guard Reserve unit disbanded last year because of a lack of funds. In the past year, the Coast Guard has paid for much of the auxiliary's water safety operations, including rebuilding a dock on the Franklin County side of the lake near Hales Ford Bridge.

Before they had the use of the Coast Guard boat, auxiliary members used their personal vessels if there was an emergency.

"For you to do the job, we need to give you the tools," Chief Warrant Officer David Merrill, of the Hampton Roads Coast Guard unit, said to the auxiliary Thursday.

The $30,000 rebuilt 22-foot Boston Whaler, built in 1990, is equipped with radar, something none of the personal boats have. "The radar gives them the ability to operate at night and low visibility," Merrill said. "If a boat is in trouble then, it will come up on the radar."

The boat also has a new engine, megaphone and emergency lights. It features a low side door that will make rescues easier, and a bold black Coast Guard marking.

"The new boat will help us make more of a presence on the lake," said Peggy Looney, a group spokeswoman. "For safety purposes, I hope people will be aware of us when they need us."

Only the five auxiliary members who are certified by the Coast Guard will be able to pilot the boat. Another five members will be tested for certification Saturday.

The auxiliary also hopes the Coast Guard markings will publicize the group.

"Our number one goal is to recruit new members," said Dal Bailey, one of the group's volunteers.

The marked boat will deter unsafe boating practices, most of which involve alcohol, Bailey said. The auxiliary volunteers perform search and rescue duties, courtesy checks of boat safety equipment, and safety courses.

The Smith Mountain Lake boating safety center, where the group is based, is being renovated with help from the Coast Guard. A new roof, VHF radios and refurbished interior will modernize what started out as a covered picnic site.

Of the 38 members of the auxiliary, there are nine couples, and most of the members are older than 55.

"It's a way to give something back to the community," Looney said.

LENGTH: Medium:   63 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  JANEL RHODA THE ROANOKE TIMES. Jun and Peggy Looney are 
          shown Thursday on the Coast Guard Auxiliary's new boat, which will 
          be used on Smith Mountain Lake. color.