It has been a busy summer on Upper Cumberland lakes, and the upcoming holiday weekend will likely feature heavy traffic.
TWRA Sergeant Dustin Buttram said many people typically take the boats out one more time over Labor Day weekend. The increased traffic raises the chance for accidents and fatalities, Buttram said boat drivers should keep a sharp lookout all around the boat, not just on what is in front of them.
“[The operator] is responsible for those individuals that are in the boat,” Buttram said. “And we want to make sure we keep all of those people seated in the boat while the boat’s moving. Not outside the railing of the boat or outside, above the gunnels of the boat. Amd we want to make sure everybody is kind of sitting down in a safe area designed for seating.”
Buttram said a simple thing people can do to remain safe on their boats is to wear a life jacket. Buttram said life jackets dramatically reduce the chance of drowning, and even strong swimmers should wear one in case of an emergency.
Buttram said kids aged 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on a boat. He said there are several different life jackets, including inflatable options.
Buttram said boaters need to be aware of potential changes to the waterways. He said over the summer, there can be dramatic changes to water depth.
“With the heat of the summer and electricity demands, they pull the waterways down through the dam and just the hot months,” Buttram said. “Generating electricity requires that water to be pulled out of lakes using the dam, and this time of year, we’ll see these lakes down you know, feet. 10, 12, 14 feet under where they were Memorial Day weekend or even July 4th.”
As a result of changing water levels, Buttram said it is more common for boats to run aground or hit exposed rocks during Labor Day weekend. He said boaters should be aware of where the deep water is and recommends boaters stay there instead of shallow points of the lakes.
Buttram said boaters need to take the weather in consideration and be aware of any storms. He also cautioned boaters to be aware earlier sunsets this time of year.
“The days are getting shorter, so if you’re going to be out there in the afternoon into the night hours, make sure to have those lights on those vessels,” Buttram said. “Have that all around white light and the navigational red and green lights on the bow of the boat. Make sure they are on and operational.”
Buttram said keeping lights on, especially as it gets darker, will make boats easier for others on the waterways to see. He said increasing visibility reduces the chances of being hit at night.
Buttram said in the event of an emergency, call either 911 or a regional dispatcher, whichever is quicker. He said to try to render aid or assistance as quickly as possible after calling for help.
