Tennessee has more paddling fatalities than almost any other state – with the majority of accidents occurring on flatwater rivers and lakes, according to an American Canoe Association study of U.S. Coast Guard statistics.
In 2020, Tennessee saw 32 fatalities – a 37-year high – which tied Tennessee with Arkansas for the most paddling-related deaths that year. The increase is likely a result of the pandemic-fueled outdoor boom, officials say. And accidents are on the rise nationwide.
“It’s easy to fall in love with paddling,” says Erik Hancock, Outdoor Chattanooga customer relations specialist and Paddle Smart class instructor. “People get really excited about it and end up putting themselves into situations above their skill level.”
Lakes may seem like the best option for beginners, he says, but they have their own hazards, such as traffic from motorized watercraft.
“Another issue,” Hancock says, “on large bodies of water, you can be further from shore and the water can be deeper, so if you capsize, you can’t just stand up.”