NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will participate in the 2024 National Safe Boating Week. It starts on Saturday, May 18, and will end on Friday, May 24.
National Safe Boating Week is held each year on the week prior to Memorial Day weekend, which is viewed as the unofficial start to the summer boating season.
The week is meant for boaters to brush up on boating safety and prepare for boating season, according to a release from TWRA. The week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.
“TWRA is committed in its mission to make Tennessee waterways safe for everyone to enjoy,” TWRA Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods said. “Be sure to boat responsibly, keep alcohol at a minimum, make sure your boat is in good working order and by all means wear your life jacket, it may indeed save your life. Boating is a wonderful activity for family and friends, so have fun but do so in a safe manner.”
Boating partners across the country are teaming up to emphasize safe boating practices, including wearing life jackets for National Safe Boating Week and throughout the 2024 boating season.
TWRA reported a continued increase in traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers in the last few years, especially in paddlecraft. Two of the three boating-related fatalities in the state this year have involved paddlecraft, TWRA said.
TWRA also released several recommended tips for boaters:
- Take a boating safety course
- Check your equipment with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons
- Make a float plan
- Wear a life jacket
- Use an engine cut-off device
- Watch the weather
- Know what’s going on around you at all times
- Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds
- Never boat under the influence
- Keep in touch; have more than one communication device that works when wet
