KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency urged boaters to stay safe over the Labor Day weekend.
It said 16 people have died in Tennessee so far this year from boating-related incidents. According to the United States Coast Guard, alcohol consumption is the leading cause of fatal boating incidents across the country.
"On the water, alcohol is going to affect you more than on land," said TWRA Spokesman Matt Cameron. "People don't really understand that if they've never been on the water. There are so many additional stressors on the water in a boating environment."
The sun, dehydration, the sway of the boat and the glare on the lake can all affect someone on the water, Cameron also said. He said people can stay safe by bringing a sober driver to the boat.
"Boating under the influence is a 100% preventable situation. We have the power to not drink and boat, so I'm just asking folks to be responsible. Don't be the reason someone dies in a boating accident this year," Cameron said.
Boaters might notice something different while they're out on the waterways this weekend. A hot summer has also lowered water levels at several East Tennessee lakes. The Tennessee Valley Authority previously said below-normal rainfall and below-normal runoff have caused water levels to sink.
"Summer is typically a time we like to have all the reservoirs up high and use them for recreation," said Darrell Guinn, senior manager of the River Forecast Center. "But the one thing about these reservoirs, the biggest variable is the weather."
As of Aug. 21, the TVA said the region has seen 50% of the normal amount of rainfall for August. It also said it saw around 58% of the normal amount of runoff throughout 2024. The TVA has been working all summer to keep the waterways as full as possible.
"There's still plenty of water in the reservoirs. But [boaters] will see a little extra shoreline than they would see earlier in the year," Guinn said.