Death of a Deputy Sherrif in a Boating Accident on Lake Anna

Large wake blamed for sheriff's death

Updated, 2:37 p.m.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff Howard Smith is blaming a large boat wake for an accident that killed one of his deputies.

Smith says Deputy Dean Ridings was thrown from a 19-foot boat when it hit a large wake or series of wakes about 12:40 p.m. Saturday. Speaking Sunday, Smith said the 52-year-old Ridings was thrown overboard and knocked unconscious when his head struck the boat.
Ridings was on marine patrol when the accident occurred.

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Law Enforcement Division is investigating, but Smith says he doubts charges will be filed.

--The Free Lance-Star
Editorial by the Small Boat Club, USA
While no boating laws were violated, this is a wake up call for all boaters to slow down on Lake Anna. My small boat, 10.5 ft, would have been turned over. Moreover, boaters need to be vigilant of waves and turn into the waves so as not to be hit in the side. No wake zones need to be established around swimming areas and docks. Lake Anna should not be treated as the Wild West.