Recent quiet, chilly days at Louisville Landing Marina won't be here for long.
"It's probably going to be packed on Memorial Day," marina manager Julia George said.
The change of seasons and a big shift in temperatures will turn this sleepy marina into a summer hot spot.
"We're getting ready for this boating season by making it look beautiful by pressure washing and putting out our flowers," George said.
The water levels at area lakes should be perfect for boaters as the season kicks off.
"The abundant rainfall has been a good thing for lake levels," James Everett, the TVA River Forecast Manager, said.
With so much rain over the last few months, TVA said ideal water levels should contribute to busy lakes as well.
"Lakes are already full. We are at our summer peaks at places like Cherokee and Douglas and Norris. We might be a little higher than summer pool," Everett said.
As you uncover your boat and get your life jackets on board, TVA warns there might be a few more obstacles in your path when behind the wheel.
"Lake levels have come up and there has certainly been a lot of debris floating along the waterway. As it gets warmer and more people get out on the reservoirs we urge people to use extreme caution on the water," Everett said.
In addition, the TWRA urges all boaters to remember the basics:
- Have a wearable life jacket for every person onboard
- If your boat is 16 feet or longer, there must be a Type IV throwable device onboard
- Have a fire extinguisher onboard if you have enclosed fuel compartments or cabins
- Anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is underway - drifting is considered underway
- Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 must have with them the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate
- Choose a designated boat operator and keep alcohol to a minimum
- Make sure there is a current boat registration
Additionally, keep in mind some basic boating operations as you head on onto the water:
- Keep a proper lookout at all times
- Maintain a safe speed
- Cut the engine off while boarding or entering the water
- Be aware of the carbon monoxide hazards that exist and keep fresh air flowing
- A 'No wake' zone generally means you must stay at or below idle speed
For more information, or to take your boating safety course, you can long onto www.tnwildlife.org.