Rainfall Helps Drought-Influenced Center Hill Lake Levels
This weekend’s rainfall cross the region helped raise the water levels at Center Hill Lake. US Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Adam Bingham said the lake has been rising slowly over several days as the watershed reacts to the precipitation. Bingham said the interconnected nature of the Cumberland River basin dams means water from […]
Labor Day Boaters Can Stay Safe By Paying Attention
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 […]
Swimming Around Marinas, Boats, Crowded Docks Dangerous
Swimming around marinas and boat docks carries a lot of risks for those who love the lake, including electric shock. TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division Sargent Dustin Buttram said marinas hold hundreds of boats, meaning they are heavy traffic areas. Buttram said the congestion has gotten worse as boat sizes have increased. “Those boat […]
Coast Guard Auxiliary Offering Boat TN Class Saturday
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a boating safety course Saturday just in time for the summer season. Boat TN is an all-day class. People who pass the exam receive a boating license. A license is required to operate a boat, jet ski, or any watercraft with an engine over eight horsepower. The Auxiliary’s […]
Labor Day Boating Means Lower Water Levels
Labor Day marks the end of summer boating season for most, but it’s important to remain vigilant while celebrating this weekend. TWRA reports that Tennessee has already seen 24 boating-related fatalities this year an increase from 17 at the same time last year. The 24 fatalities have surpassed the year total of 22 for 2021. […]
Alcohol Contributes To 50 Percent Of Boating Accidents, Plan Ahead Before 4th Of July Boating
Law enforcement set to be out on the waters in full force in hopes of enforcing safe boating over the Fourth of July weekend. TWRA Wildlife Officer Dustin Buttram said that the holiday is one of the busiest times for his department. He said officers will spend the weekend doing safety checks, particularly checking for […]
Make Sure Safety Equipment Is Up-To-Date Before Boating Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend marks the return of the summer boating season for many in the Upper Cumberland. TWRA Wildlife Sergeant Dustin Buttram said that before you take to the waters, you should have a plan in place to avoid one of the biggest boating dangers: alcohol impairment. “That’s one of the leading causes of accidents, […]
UC Saw Seven Fatalities From Boating In 2021
The Upper Cumberland saw seven fatalities from boating incidents in 2021. TWRA Wildlife Sergeant Dustin Buttram said that across the state, there were 21 fatalities, 72 injuries, and 93 incidents of property damage. He said that most of the incidents came from operator inattention. “Just not paying attention to their surrounding or other boats in […]
TWRA Officer Says No Excuse For Not Wearing Life Jackets
There is no excuse to go out on Upper Cumberland waterways this weekend without a life jacket on. That is according to TWRA Wildlife Officer Dustin Buttram. Buttram said a fatal mistake people often make is taking life jackets without wearing them, keeping them stored and out of reach. “They’re inside the boat, under straps […]
Center Hill Lake Primitive Campsite Booking Made 24/7
Center Hill Lake has made its primitive campsite booking available 24/7, with more sites available. Park Ranger Ashley Webster said patrons used to be required to call the park’s resource office but now can visit recreation.gov for bookings. Webster said 11 camping sites in seven areas will be available in 2021. “I know there’s nothing […]
