NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency arrested eight people for boating under the influence over the July 4 holiday weekend.
Even with all the rain the TWRA says it still managed to check more than 3,400 vessels over the four-day holiday period. Agents made three additional arrests and issued 144 citations during that period.
Tennessee Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods says there have been 14 boating-related fatalities on Tennessee waterways so far this year.
“Eleven of those probably would still be with us had they been wearing a lifejacket. Then you have boating under the influence and we make it a priority to try to get boat operators off the water if they are impaired.”
Woods recommends a boating safety course. She says anyone born after 1989 must complete a course to operate a boat legally, and adds that taking a course may also get you a discount on your boat insurance.