The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Urges Boaters to Review Boating Safety Tips

As part of the 2025 National Safe Boating Week, which will take place from May 17th to May 23rd, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will urge all boaters to review their boating safety knowledge and be ready for the summer boating season. This week of observation is the yearly launch of the Safe Boating Campaign, an international awareness campaign that promotes responsible boating to maximize boating experiences. Every year, the week before Memorial Day weekend is designated as National Safe Boating Week. During National Safe Boating Week and the whole 2025 boating season, boating partners from the United States and Canada are collaborating to promote safe boating habits, such as using life jackets. Teaching the boating community about the value of wearing life jackets and the availability of more comfortable and lightweight models is a top priority for the TWRA and its affiliated groups. “We want to encourage everyone to always boat responsibly,” said Lt. Col. Matt Majors of TWRA’s Boating and Law Enforcement Division. “Our waterways are enjoyed by all types of vessels, both small and large. Please maintain a proper lookout at all times and ensure alcohol and drugs are not part of your float plan.” A few tips for boaters to always keep in mind; take a boating safety course, check equipment, make a float plan, wear a life jacket, use an engine cut-off device, and watch the weather. Also, always be aware of your surroundings, know you are going to travel at safe speeds, never boat under the influence, and keep in touch with family and friends on your whereabouts. There have been four incidents resulting in five fatalities in 2025. One of the fatalities involved a paddle craft. Last year, there was one fatality over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Please be safe and take the necessary precautions to have a great weekend.