The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reported Thursday that there were no boating-related fatalities over the Operation Dry Water (ODW)-July 4th holiday weekend. The TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division compiled the holiday statistics after receiving reports from the agency’s four regions.
There were 11 injury incidents across the state, along with 16 alcohol-related boating under the influence arrests. The agency also assisted in the recovery efforts for a drowning victim in Stewart County, which the county sheriff’s office handled. Several written citations and warnings were issued, mostly due to vessel registration violations, negligent operation of a vessel, and other safety issues.
TWRA’s total number of boating-related fatalities this year stands at 10 as compared to 13 through the July 4th holiday period last year. Operation Dry Water is a period of increased enforcement and education about the dangers of impaired boating around July 4th, one of the busiest times for boating activity in the year.
