May’s National Water Safety month is the right time to reacquaint yourself with how to play and stay safe on the water.  The 9 Lakes Region is a popular family destination for boating, swimming, kayaking, wakeboarding, fishing and house boating.  Summer can be lots of fun on the water, but protect yourself and your loved ones by:

• Wear It! Personal floatation devices (PFDs) aka life jackets do just that. Most water accidents that involve drownings occurred because of someone was not wearing a life jacket.  When a boat is in motion, wear your PFD.
• Operating your boat or vessel- If you are towing someone on a tube or wakeboard, have a spotter. Operate at a safe speed. Operate at a safe speed and watch for other boaters, paddlers, and swimmers. Enter coves at a slow speed.  Coves are popular stops for swimmers, paddlers, and fishermen.
• Personal Water Crafts cannot be operated by a driver that is less than 12 years. It is considered reckless driving to drive or jump other boat wake within 100 feet of another vessel, shoreline, dock or ramp.  It is also illegal to ride from sunset to sunrise.
• Paddling the rivers and low head dams- There are low head dams on rivers throughout the region. These dams pose a potential threat to unaware paddlers and float tubes.  Learn more about low head dams here.
• Locks and Dams- The region offers an opportunity to “lock though” dams on the Tennessee River to travel between Fort Loudoun, Watts Bar and Tellico Lakes. Many boaters will often cruise the river system, stopping at cities and marinas on their journey.   When locking through, adhere to the rules, by securing your boat in the lock.  When exiting, do not pass any boats until you have full exited the lock area.  To learn more about locking through, click here.

Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the summer holiday season.  We are glad you have chosen the 9 Lakes Region as your destination and want your group to have fun and stay safe while on the water.  Don’t choose to be a statistic.  For more safety tips and regulations, click here.