NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reporting another safe Labor Day holiday on Tennessee waterways, with no boating-related fatalities recorded during the extended holiday weekend.
According to statistics compiled by the agency’s Boating and Law Enforcement Division, there were no fatal boating accidents reported across the state during the Labor Day holiday period. Officials say the milestone marks the fifth consecutive Labor Day weekend without a boating fatality in Tennessee.
While no fatalities occurred, TWRA reported three boating injury incidents during the holiday weekend. The accidents took place on Kentucky Lake, Chickamauga Reservoir, and Watts Bar Reservoir.
In addition to the injury crashes, officers responded to four property-damage boating incidents across the state.
TWRA game wardens also continued enforcement efforts on Tennessee waterways, making eight boating under the influence (BUI) arrests during the holiday period.
The agency noted that Labor Day concludes a summer recreational boating season that also includes the Memorial Day and Independence Day holiday weekends. For all three major holiday boating periods this year, Tennessee recorded zero boating fatalities.
Statewide, boating safety statistics have also shown improvement compared to last year. TWRA reports 15 boating-related fatalities statewide in 2026, which is three fewer deaths than had been recorded at the same point in 2025.
Wildlife officials credit a combination of safety education, enforcement efforts and responsible boating practices for helping reduce serious incidents on Tennessee lakes and rivers.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for managing and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife resources while promoting public safety through law enforcement and boating education programs.
As boating season continues into the fall, TWRA reminds boaters to wear life jackets, avoid operating vessels while impaired and remain alert on the water.
