Tennessee officials gearing up for 'Operation Dry Water' for holiday weekend

Summer's in full swing as the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches and folks on the water can expect a significant law enforcement presence as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency teams with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for "Operation Dry Water."

Tennessee's waterways are already very busy, according to TWRA spokesperson Mime Barnes.

"We are seeing an increase in accidents, boaters in waters," Barnes said, urging boaters to remain relaxed and alert over the weekend.

So far this year there have been 11 fatalities on Tennessee waters, 19 serious injury incidents, 25 incidents involving property damage and 44 arrests for boating under the influence, Barnes said.

As far as the numbers of people on the water, the 2021 season has been more normal compared to last year, according to Stephanie Cooke, co-owner of the Ocoee Inn Marina in Polk County, Tennessee.

"Last summer we were busier," Cooke said, noting much of her 2020 business boom came from stir-crazy locals looking for something, anything to do in a COVID-19-restricted world. Now, "local people are traveling again. It's back to the beach, back to the routine."

This year the marina's customers are the more typical vacationing out-of-towners, she said, and "business is good."

For Crista Watts, at Rusty's Kayaks and Paddleboards on Lake Chickamauga's Harrison Bay in Chattanooga, her customers this year have been similar to last year.

"Last year, everyone was just getting out because of COVID," said Watts, who introduces customers to paddling and offers introductory instruction to get them on their way. "You're not close to people, it's on the water, you don't have to wear masks."

In 2021, the number of visiting and local customers remained about even while overall numbers are higher than last year, she said.

Whatever the craft, the greatest danger comes from impaired boaters, according to a TWRA investigator. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

"Each year, our state suffers boating incidents and tragedies that could have been avoided if it weren't for the presence of drugs or alcohol. Our job is to protect those in the communities we serve and to ensure that recreational boaters, paddlers, fishermen and others who visit our waters are able to enjoy their time with family and friends safely," TWRA boating investigator Capt. Matt Majors said. "Our agency is joining all states and U.S. territories to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing incidents caused by boating under the influence."

In 2020 during Operation Dry Water, there were 11 boating under the influence arrests and eight serious injury boating-related incidents across Tennessee.

The TWRA reported a noticeable increase in traffic on the state's lakes and rivers in 2020 - including a boom in the use of paddle craft such as kayaks and paddleboards, whose users are required to use personal flotation devices, officials said earlier this year. After a record-low year of eight boating fatalities in 2019, 2020 had the most boating-related fatalities in 37 years with 32.

The 2020 boating season also stood out for its unusual COVID-19 protocols calling for limited group numbers and social distancing, among other pandemic-related measures now being lifted, although officials said the coronavirus possibly drove people outside in larger numbers.

Meanwhile, officials want everyone to avoid anything that can impair abilities or judgment.

Operating a boat with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle, officials said. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths.

"We certainly hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend in a safe and responsible manner," Majors said. "Have a designated driver, wear your life jacket and enjoy."

Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton.