As Labor Day weekend approaches, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is ramping up its safety messaging for those planning to spend the holiday on the water. The final major boating event of the summer, from August 31 to September 2, the TWRA is emphasizing the importance of life jacket use and responsible boating. In a public statement, TWRA Lt. Col Matt Majors commented, "As you head out to one of our beautiful lakes or rivers this Labor Day weekend, please keep common sense and safety in mind", alluding to the preventative steps necessary to ensure that the waterways remain as enjoyable experience on the water.
To fully enjoy and to safely partake in the weekend's festivities, boaters are being reminded to not only wear life jackets but also to strictly avoid boating under the influence (BUI). TWRA officers plan to robustly patrol the waterways, to keep a vigilant eye out for any behavior that might compromise safety. Particularly with children under 12, state law requires that they must wear a life jacket at all times, and that there should be a life jacket on board for each person present in the vessel.
The caution is underscored by recent statistics: a slight decrease in boating-related fatalities, with one death over Memorial Day weekend and two during the July Fourth holiday period. According to the TWRA's latest reports, there have been 16 boating-related fatalities this year, slightly fewer than the 20 reported at the same time in 2023.
Officials, including Majors, hope for a safe holiday, stating, "Our waterways are some of the best in the country, and it is our responsibility to keep them safe and enjoyable for everyone." The TWRA's emphasis on prevention, through the enforcement of both life jacket wearing and sober boating, is what hopes to contribute largely to a secure surfing environment this Labor Day weekend. While reveling in the natural beauty that Tennessee's waterways offer, reminders to frequently check equipment and to always remain alert.
For more details on boating safety and the enforcement over the holiday weekend, visit the TWRA website.
