Under Influence Boating Numbers Up Significantly In Tennessee

Boating under the influence numbers statewide have already surpassed last year’s numbers.

Upper Cumberland TWRA Officer Dustin Buttram said seven people were cited along Upper Cumberland waterways during the just-completed July Fourth holiday.

“Last year the whole state totaled 102 BUI arrests on the waterways and this year we’re at 104 BUI arrests,” Buttram said. “So that number is already trending up and we’re at peak of summer now. But I still expect that number to rise here.”

Buttram said the Upper Cumberland lakes have not seen the same statewide increases in drinking and boating. He said this year’s arrests parallel last year’s numbers. During the July 4th holiday, 29 boaters were charged with BUI, three others with drug use while operating a boat.

A new state law went into effect July 1 which matches penalties for BUI with those suffered by vehicle drivers arrested. The first conviction for those with .20 percent or more of blood alcohol concentration would be subject to a minimum of seven days in jail. A second offense would mean a sentence at the jail or workhouse of no less than 45 days and up to 11 months and 29 days.

Buttram said the work is about keeping people safe.

“We spend those long hours, long nights out on the lakes and I think that helps deter some of the impaired operators and I think that helps obviously keep our waterways safe,” Buttram said. “And that’s just a pat on the back from my guys and our guys here in the district, that their long hours paid off. And it shows that it makes a difference.”