Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife officers thanked River Bend participants for keeping waterways safe during the 2015 festival. With two BUI arrests this year, Nickajack Lake was less crowded allowing for less hectic, safer boating conditions.
TWRA Wildlife officers enjoy positive interactions with the public. At times, boaters are anxious when approached by wildlife officers. “Our intention is to keep boaters and waterways safe, not to stop fun times,” said Barry Baird, TWRA wildlife officer. Mr. Baird has worked the festival for four years and found Nickajack Lake calmer this year. Even so, officers were diligent in their duties. “Wildlife officers often go above and beyond to keep boaters safe and compliant,” he said.
One boat approached by Wildlife Officer Joe McSpadden was a pontoon boat holding 13 passengers, including a 12-year old. The law requires each passenger have access to a personal floatation device (pfd). Any child 12 and under must also be wearing a PFD. The pontoon boat checked was not in compliance. Officers helped passengers understand the laws and provided them with a few needed PFDs. “It was a crowded boat on a crowded river. We’re just glad to help folks be safe during their outings,” said Mr. McSpadden.
Mr. Baird and Mr. Mcspadden said, “Laws are in place to save lives. Our jobs are to uphold these laws and hopefully prevent accidents and deaths.”
“With so many boaters in a tight area, the risk of an incident increases,” said Mr. McSpadden, also a four-year veteran of the festival. “We want boaters to be safe; so we do everything we can to help them comply.”
With the whole summer ahead, wildlife officers remind Tennesseans to review laws, stay diligent on waterways and check boats for compliance before heading out to have fun. For more information or to review laws, visit tnwildife.org.