Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency urges boater safety

LEXINGTON, Tenn — Fun on the water is what people all across the state are experiencing this weekend, but with that fun comes responsibility.

As folks say hello to summer at Beech Lake there is one thing you need to know as you hit the water, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency is watching you.

Sgt. Keith Mitchell said those on the water should be on lookout at all times for other boaters.

Tennessee Wildlife officials said the holiday weekend brings extremely high activity out on the lake.

Their job is to make sure boaters are following the rules.

“We’ll be enforcing the safety equipment as normal but we’ll be looking for BUI that’ll be a boating under the influence” said Sgt. Mitchell

It is important to know that Tennessee law states that if you are caught boating under the influence of alcohol for the first and second offense you will be fined up to $2,500.

There are even requirements when it comes to who’s qualified to navigate the boat.

“Anybody born after January the first 1989 has to of completed a boater education class to operate a boat by themselves,” Sgt. Mitchell explained.

Children 12 and under must have a fitted life jacket on if the boat is underway.

Boater, Tom Pierce, said while he’s out on the water other people are usually kind and gracious.

“Everyone is very helpful as far as reminding you if you did overlook something like for example making sure youth has their life jackets on” Pierce said.