After the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered non-essential businesses, parks, and other public places, many individuals were forced to spend most of their time indoors to reduce their chances of contracting the virus. But once the State of Tennessee began relaxing COVID-19 restrictions at the beginning of May, many Tennesseans didn’t waste any time and began going out. One place that had particularly larger crowds than normal was Percy Priest Lake, according to News 4 Nashville.
While the state typically sees an increase in boaters during Memorial Day weekend as well as other holidays, Wildlife Officer Matthew Norman says that Percy Priest Lake was more crowded than usual during the first week of May. Norman told the source that “[he] typically doesn’t see this kind of traffic until [the end of May], that’s really kind of the kick-off of the boating season, but this year we’ve had a lot of boats on the water.”
With More Boaters Comes More Wrecks
After being confined to their homes for several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Tennesseans are looking for things to do to entertain themselves and occupy their time. A large number of people are heading out to nearby lakes to do this. Unfortunately, with more people turning to recreational boating since the beginning of 2020, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reporting that 10 people have already died in boating wrecks between January and May. That number surpasses last year’s total of eight deaths.
Safety Tips to Implement While Boating
According to Officer Norman, “Boating is inherently dangerous.” The officer explained that individuals are at risk of suffering the same types of injuries they would in a car wreck, except they have to take into account the water. So, if you plan on heading out to the water to engage in some recreational boating, consider following these safety tips provided on behalf of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
- Be sure all children 12 years of age and younger are wearing a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while the boat is moving. Not only can this save their life in the event of an accident, but it is the law.
- Have enough life jackets for everyone on board.
- Maintain a safe speed at all times.
- Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Only get on a boat with a driver who is licensed and skilled to operate the vessel.
- Ensure your boat is displaying the appropriate lighting.
In the event you or a loved one were involved in a boating accident or any other type of wreck (i.e. car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) in Nashville, TN and you are looking to recover compensation for the injuries you suffered, the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. is here to assist you. Nashville, TN personal injury attorney George R. Fusner Jr. has helped many victims obtain the justice they deserve along with the compensation they were entitled to and is prepared to help you too.
You can reach the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. at
7104 Peach Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone- 615-251-0005
Fax- 615-370-8447
Website: www.gfusnerlaw.com
