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LAST BIG SUMMER BOATING WEEKEND ARRIVES
It’s summer’s last big fling. Labor Day signals the unofficial end
to the recreational boating season and while some great days are ahead
it seems the competition for free time is split thin as fall approaches.
Actually, fall is one of nicest seasons of the year to be on the lake as
great weather tops the list of reasons for being there. However, fall
also brings a buffet of activities to the calendar and that often puts
boating on the back burner.
With hunting seasons entering the picture a lot of recreational
enthusiasts take to the woods on weekends. Another competing factor is
the abundance of school activities where kids are engrossed in
everything from soccer to football so that takes families away from the
water too.
Here in the south college football commands the attention of even the
most avid anglers and pleasure boaters so the pontoon and runabout
slowly fade away to the marina or garage for the first phases of
hibernation, sleeping silently under a cover in the boat slip until
spring rolls around.
That’s why the army of lakers turn out in force and make the best of the
last big holiday of the season when camping, skiing, boating, fishing,
and swimming coincide. Soon it will be too cool for a lot of the
recreational users to hit the water so the boating brigade will make a
blitz and ride the season out in style.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wants to emphasize the use of
personal flotation devices while boating in a safe and responsible
manner.
TWRA wants all those who visit the waterways to have an enjoyable time.
However, TWRA officers will be on the watch for dangerous boating
behavior, such as boating under the influence and other reckless
operation.
So far in 2011 on Tennessee waters, there have been 21 fatal accidents
resulting in 22 deaths. There have been 69 injury accidents and 50
property damage accidents reported. TWRA boating officers have made 110
BUI arrests, a reduction of 36 from the same period last year.
Wearing a life jacket is the single most effective way to protect
boaters and reduce drowning in boating accidents. Eighty percent of
those who drown in boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
Along with the use of life jackets, TWRA wants to stress the responsible
use of alcohol while boating. It is important to consider the effects of
drinking and driving whether on water or land. Statistics show that more
than 20 percent of boating-related fatalities are a result of alcohol
use. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the effects of
alcohol, drugs and some medications.
Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher is
illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties
may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving
privileges.
As the busy boating period arrives be sure to do your part and watch out
for the other guy out there who might not be watching out for you. Don’t
end the boating season on a sour note.
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