How boaters can stay safe on Tennessee waterways over the Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season by many and it's already been a deadly start in Tennessee.
Ten fatalities have occurred on Tennessee waterways, which is two more than at the same point in 2021.
There were two fatalities last weekend — one on Kentucky Lake and another on Nickajack Lake.
The average yearly number of fatalities on Tennessee waterways from 2016-20 was 20.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is participating in the 2022 National Safe Boating Week, which promotes safe activity on waterways along with the wearing of life jackets.
“We want to continue to stress that the single most important action one can take to prevent drowning while boating is to wear a life jacket,” said TWRA Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods. “We encourage our boaters to enjoy their time on the water in a safe and responsible matter.”
KENTUCKY LAKE FATALITY: 60-year-old Tennessee man found dead after fishing on Kentucky Lake
NICKAJACK FATALITY: 24-year-old man found dead in Nickajack Lake by Tennessee wildlife officers
UNIQUE TROUT: Rainbow trout with unique features caught in Spring Creek in Tennessee
Here are some TWRA recommended safety tips:
Take a safety course
Individuals can gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
For information about TWRA boating safety courses visit bit.ly/3Nr1VK2.
Equipment check
Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
Float plan
Make a float plan by always letting someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.
Life jackets
Make sure everyone aboard wears a life jacket with no exceptions. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
Cut the engine
Use an engine cut-off device. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
Weather report
Monitor the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
Awareness
Know what is going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2021 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
Speed limits
Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.
Boating under the influence
Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
Stay in touch
Keep in touch by having more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MIkeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Memorial Day weekend safety tips for Tennessee boaters
