Serve the Lake You Love. Become a Volunteer Firefighter.
Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue has protected our 20,600 acres of water and 540 miles of shoreline since 1975 — entirely with volunteers. No firefighting or boating experience required. We'll train you.
Real Impact, Real Community
We're a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer department, and every member matters — whether you're on the water, on the radio, or behind the scenes.
Protect a Unique Waterway
Smith Mountain Lake spans 20,600 acres and 540 miles of shoreline. As the nation's only fully marine volunteer fire department, our work is unlike anywhere else.
Free, Full Training
No experience needed. We provide firefighting, and boat-handling training so you arrive ready and confident, on your own schedule.
A Second Family
Join 45+ members who show up for each other and for the community — from ribbon-cuttings to ice rescues, this is a tight-knit crew with 50 years of history.
Find Your Role on the Team
Not everyone rides the fireboat — we need people in every seat.
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Marine Firefighter / Rescue TechnicianRespond to fires, boat fires, groundings, and swimmer rescues aboard our fireboat fleet.
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FIrst Aid & CPRProvide emergency medical care on the water and along the shoreline until transport arrives.
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Boat Operator / CoxswainPilot fireboats safely to the scene — ideal for experienced boaters.
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Fire Prevention & Boating Safety EducationHelp teach the community life-jacket, dock, and boating safety practices.
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Fundraising & Support CrewKeep the department running through events, maintenance, and community outreach.
The Path to Becoming a Volunteer
Apply
Submit the official volunteer application through Bedford County Fire & Rescue. Background check will be conducted at this time.
Meet & Tour
Visit the station, meet current members, and see the fireboats up close.
Membership Vote / Onboard
Canidates are voted in by the membership and then onboarded.
Train & Serve
Begin hands-on training and start riding along on calls as you're ready.
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the station or marinas
- Able to pass a background check
- Willing to commit time to training
- No prior firefighting, EMS, or boating experience required — just a willingness to learn and serve
"We are the only total marine volunteer fire department in the country. Every member here, on the water or on shore, keeps this lake safe."— SML Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Apply to Volunteer
Applications are handled through the official Bedford County Fire & Rescue volunteer form. Click below to get started — a member of our team will follow up about station tours and orientation dates.
Go to Volunteer ApplicationFrequently Asked Questions
No. Most of our members started with no experience at all. We provide full training in firefighting, and boat handling.
Time commitment varies by role, from regular training sessions, business meetings, and responding to calls. We work with your schedule — many members balance this with full-time jobs.
No. The department operates its own fireboat fleet stationed at marinas around the lake.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Reach out to us to ask about junior or support opportunities if you're younger.
We respond to fire, rescue, and EMS calls across all 20,600 acres of Smith Mountain Lake and within 1,000 feet of its shoreline.