NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding boaters to practice safe and responsible behavior on the water as the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches.
The Sept. 5-7 holiday is traditionally one of the busiest boating periods of the year and serves as the final major boating weekend of the summer season. TWRA officials expect increased boat traffic on lakes and rivers across Tennessee and say game wardens will be actively patrolling waterways throughout the holiday.
Agency officers will be watching for dangerous boating practices, including boating under the influence (BUI), reckless operation, excessive speed and other safety violations.
TWRA officials noted that Tennessee experienced no boating-related fatalities during either Memorial Day weekend or the Independence Day holiday period this year. Despite that positive trend, the agency says safety remains a priority as large crowds head to the water for the final summer holiday.
According to TWRA, there have been 15 boating-related fatalities on Tennessee waters so far in 2026, compared to 17 fatalities during the same period in 2025.
Life Jackets Remain Critical
TWRA is encouraging everyone on the water to wear a life jacket and ensure vessels are equipped with enough properly fitted life jackets for all passengers.
Under Tennessee law, children younger than 12 must wear a life jacket whenever a boat is underway.
Officials say wearing a life jacket remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent boating-related deaths and injuries.
BUI Enforcement Planned
The agency is also emphasizing that boating under the influence carries serious consequences.
TWRA reminds boaters that BUI is treated much like DUI, and operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous.
Wardens will be conducting patrols throughout Labor Day weekend and say impaired operation will be a major enforcement focus.
Additional Safety Tips
TWRA recommends boaters:
- Check weather forecasts before heading onto the water.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Maintain safe speeds.
- Respect other boaters, swimmers and paddleboarders.
- Avoid creating dangerous wakes near docks, marinas and recreational areas.
The agency says following basic safety practices can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone using Tennessee’s waterways.
TWRA is responsible for managing Tennessee’s fish and wildlife resources while also providing law enforcement and boating safety education across the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
