Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, it’s important to know what to do and where to go in an emergency. First and foremost, Cruise SML wants everyone to be safe and enjoy the lake. To help you, we’ve pulled together information on emergency services so that you can quickly locate the information if you need it.
While our lake community is peaceful and scenic, medical issues, injuries, and unexpected situations can happen, and due to the nature of the lake, getting where you need to go can take time. This guide will help you navigate emergency services, urgent care, pharmacies, and rescue resources and hopefully help ease your mind a little.
Stating the obvious…If You’re Facing an Emergency: Call 911
This is your first step in any urgent situation whether it’s a serious injury, fire, medical crisis, or boating accident. Calling 911 will connect you immediately with the right responders such as police, fire, and EMS.
Pro tip: Many lake docks now have 911 Emergency Dock Signs that show locations clearly to first responders. They can make life-saving differences when time is critical.
Emergency & Medical Services Near the Lake
Though the lake itself does not have a hospital, there are excellent medical facilities within a reasonable drive if you need emergency care or hospital services:
Hospitals & Emergency Rooms
- Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital – Full hospital with emergency services in Rocky Mount (~25–30 min). tel:+15409817337
- Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Emergency Room – Larger emergency care facility in Roanoke (~45–55 min). tel:+15409817337
- Bedford Memorial Hospital: Emergency Room – ER services in Bedford (~35–45 min). tel:+15405862441
- LewisGale Medical Center & LewisGale Medical Center Emergency Room – Major medical center with emergency care in Salem (~45–60 min). tel:+15407722801
- Carilion New River Valley Medical Center: Emergency Room – Emergency care in Christiansburg (~60 min). tel:+15407312000
Note: There are multiple hospitals and specialized emergency centers in the wider region (e.g., Lynchburg, Marion) that can be options based on your location and condition.
Urgent & Minor Care
Need help for minor injuries, burns, strains, or sudden illness that aren’t life-threatening?
- VelocityCare in Westlake ( This is an urgent care in Hardy and is a great option for non-critical medical needs). tel:+15407191815
Pharmacy & Prescription Help
For prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, or urgent pharmacy needs:
- CVS Pharmacy (Hardy) – Local pharmacy near the lake. (540)721-6169
- Walgreens (Roanoke) – Pharmacy and health essentials. (540) 985-6491
- CVS Pharmacy (Roanoke) – Another pharmacy option in Roanoke.(540) 342-1877
These pharmacies support many standard prescriptions, first-aid needs, and wellness supplies. Most hours vary, but are generally 9-5. Check signage or call ahead if possible.
Fire & Rescue Services on the Lake
Smith Mountain Lake has dedicated firefighting and rescue resources tailored to both land and water emergencies called Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue. This volunteer-driven service operates fireboats strategically located around the lake, ready to respond to water-related emergencies, fires, medical calls, and search-and-rescue missions. They are active 24/7/365 and work closely with county and state emergency responders.
Important details:
Marine rescue and fire boats are positioned across the lake’s shoreline to respond fast. They also provide specialized dive team operations when needed.
Non-emergency contact: (540) 420-5140.
💡 Safety tips:
- Make sure your waterfront dock has a clearly visible address or dock sign — it helps responders find you quickly on the water.
- Always carry a charged phone when on the boat, hiking, or swimming.
- Mark your dock with an emergency sign if you’re staying at a rental or friend’s home — local efforts show it significantly helps response times.
- For non-emergency assistance, dial the local non-emergency number or visit the visitor center for guidance.
- If you experience electrical hazards near docks or boat lifts, avoid the water and call local fire/rescue — stray voltage can be dangerous.
Finally, before you go, it’s important to know where the nearest clinic or hospital ER is relative to where you’re staying on the lake, and save important numbers in your phone. Feeling prepared helps you enjoy the lake with peace of mind.
