TWRA officials concerned as five deadly accidents have already occurred on Tennessee waterways and the heart of the boating season has not yet arrived.
TWRA Wildlife Sergeant Dustin Buttram said the number of fatal crashes is troubling this early in the year.
“You know it’s very concerning,” Buttram said. “That is one of TWRA’s main focuses is keeping our waterways safe, and we are fully aware that boating is no longer just a summer activity. We have recreational users 12 months of the year.”
Buttram said as boating popularity in the Upper Cumberland continues to rise, so have boating fatalities. While each incident is different, Buttram said human error is the most common factor in boating accidents.
“Most of our accidents are human error, so it’s lack of proper lookout or not knowing the waterways or not knowing the proper, the rules of the road, the navigational rules,” Buttram said. “It’s generally not equipment failure. It’s not engine failure. It’s nothing to do with the boat itself. It’s generally something we have done, making the wrong decisions, or not just paying attention.”
Buttram also said operator impairment continues to play a significant role in many crashes.
“Statistics now show around 40 percent of boating accidents have alcohol or drug-related usage in it,” Buttram said.
Buttram said a major concern is the lack of life jacket use. According to TWRA investigations, none of the five fatal accidents involved individuals wearing life jackets. Buttram said that statistics show that 99 percent of drowning fatalities were not wearing life jackets.
“We strongly encourage all operators and all boaters to have a life jacket on and, at the minimum, have them out and readily accessible,” Buttram said. “If something did happen, they could get them.”
Despite widespread safety messaging, Buttram said many boaters still choose not to wear them, often due to discomfort or personal preference. Buttram said many different life jackets are more comfortable to wear now.
With warmer temperatures arriving in the Upper Cumberland, Buttram said TWRA expects boating activity to ramp up in the coming weeks, possibly earlier than usual.
“We’re still probably a month away from what I would say is the kickoff,” Buttram said. “But we were out on the waterways this weekend, and there’s a lot of boaters out there.”
Buttram said TWRA officers are increasing patrols and focusing on education efforts ahead of the busy season, especially during weekends and peak hours.
“A major focus is boater education,” Buttram said. “We’re constantly trying to educate, make sure that people know the laws… so they can be safe boaters out there.”
Before heading out on the water, Buttram said he urges boaters to take simple precautions that could save lives.
“Make sure you have all your safety equipment,” Buttram said. “Make sure there’s enough life jackets for everybody on board… and make sure they’re in good condition.”
As the summer season approaches, Buttram said awareness, preparation, and responsible behavior will be key to preventing further tragedies on Tennessee’s waterways.
