Nine boating fatalities reported in Tennessee, exceeding pace set at this point last year

The state of Tennessee says nine people have died in boating-related fatalities so far this year.

State data shows that number is higher than it was at this point last year.

Richard Simms with Scenic City Fishing Charters says anytime hearing about any boat-related tragedy is difficult because boating is supposed to be a relaxing activity, not a deadly one.

A great day of fun that turns to tragedy, and that strikes an emotional chord for people that you hate to see at any time, Simms says.

Simms adds that many of these incidents may be linked to speeding, collisions with other boats, or simply operators and passengers not paying close attention on the water.

Most collisions are just the result of somebody not paying attention, they’re distracted, maybe sending a text, or maybe talking to their buddy, you know, or watching something else, Simms tells us.

Two years ago Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency engineers performed temporary repairs on the ramp. Hamilton County Park officials said they had a plan in place to perform permanent repairs but that never happened until funding came via the Bill Dance Signature Lake project. (Contributed Photo)

We asked Brian Lee with TowBoat U.S. whether anything seems different on the water this year.

Lee says lake levels are lower than normal for this time of year, and with warmer-than-usual weather, more people are getting out on the water earlier in the season.

Lake levels are still very low because of our lack of rainfall. The lake levels have not come up to summer level, Lee tells us.

Tennessee law does not require adults to wear life jackets while on the water, but boaters are required to have life jackets on board.

Lee says they should consider wearing them anyway to avoid tragedy.

Anytime you accidentally fall into the water is a potential where you may not get back out of the water, Lee says.