Twelve people have died in Tennessee waters so far in 2016 and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) doesn’t want this number to grow. Even though one of the busiest holiday weekends has passed, TWRA officers remind boaters that safety should remain a top priority. TWRA officers will remain in full force on waterways throughout the boating season.
Common violations reoccurring on waterways include a lack of lighting on smaller watercrafts, a lack of personal floatation devices (PFDs) and disobeying no-wake zones.
“Simply put, laws and being safety conscientious could save your life,” said Dustin Buttrim, TWRA officer. Proper lighting for night use is of the utmost importance. Larger vessels, even with a proper lookout, might have a hard time seeing low setting oar-powered boats, such as a kayak.
One of the easiest ways to save a life is to wear a PFD. Officer Buttrim continued, “Just because it might seem like a slow day on the water doesn’t mean boaters should forgo a PFD. Accidents can occur at any time.” Being courteous and abiding laws and signs keeps everyone safe. Additional precautions can include, wearing bright colors and being situationally aware when operating a small craft. A person traveling alone in a kayak should stay attentive and be aware of fast moving watercrafts. All vessels should be courteous and stay alert in high traffic areas.
Those planning to spend time on waterways should also check weather forecast and let someone know your float plans. TWRA encourages boaters to review boating laws and ensure the proper safety requirements are met. Go above and beyond to keep yourself and others safe on Tennessee’s waters. For more information visit tnwildlife.org and click in boating.