Boating Safety Important For Labor Day Weekend

Expected to be a busy Labor Day weekend on the lakes, despite rain chances, and that means safety.

TWRA Communications and Marketing Coordinator Míme Barnes said the most important thing to remember is to assign a designated driver who can safely operate any vehicles for their group. Barnes said children twelve and under have to wear life jackets, but everyone on board should be wearing one regardless of age.

“It sounds simple but just file a float plan,” Barnes said. “Let someone know where you’re going and what time they can expect you home. That alone can help us know, you know, that everybody’s returned home safely in the evenings.”

Barnes said that Labor Day is usually a busy weekend for waterways across the region unless the weather is poor. Barnes said busier lakes and rivers often lead to more water-related accidents.

“There can be increases in incidents but it’s very, very weather dependent,” Barnes said. “So it’s always a time to be a bit more diligent when you’re on waters on busy weekends.”

Barnes said TWRA officers will be present on waterways throughout the state for the holiday weekend to ensure that everyone is staying safe.

“Check the compliance rules before heading out and make sure you do have life jackets, that all of your running lights are working safely if you plan on being out after dark, and then follow all the rules,” Barnes said.

Barnes said the more that people understand the laws of the water and follow safety procedures the closer they can get to their goal of having no incidents on Tennessee waters.