The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is launching a massive statewide crackdown on boating under the influence (BUI) ahead of the holiday weekend. From July 3 to July 5, state game wardens will be out in full force for Operation Dry Water, a national campaign aimed at curbing impaired operating and reducing rising waterway fatalities.

The heightened enforcement comes on the heels of a sobering 2025 statistical report. Last year, Tennessee recorded 184 boating incidents and 26 fatalities, with alcohol or drugs directly contributing to 38% of those deaths.

According to the TWRA media kit, last year’s data revealed several surprising trends regarding waterway incidents in the state:

• The Prime Suspects: Open motorboats were the most common vessels involved in accidents.

• The Leading Cause: Collisions with other vessels topped the list, accounting for 34 separate occurrences.

• The Danger Zone: Norris Lake recorded the highest number of boating incidents in the state.

• The Peak Times: Saturdays between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM proved to be the most dangerous window for boaters.

• The Demographics: Operators aged 65 and older were the age group most frequently involved in boating incidents.

TWRA officials warn that operating a boat while impaired is vastly different—and in some ways, more unpredictable—than driving a car. Common maritime stressors like sun, wind, noise, engine vibration, and constant motion heavily intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs. This impairment drastically reduces an operator’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.

The danger isn’t just limited to the person at the helm.

“Alcohol use is dangerous for operators and passengers alike,” the TWRA stated. “Intoxicated passengers can easily slip, fall overboard, or suffer other life-threatening incidents.”

Zero Tolerance on the Water

In Tennessee, operating a recreational vessel with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is strictly illegal. The law applies equally to alcohol, illicit drugs, and impairing prescription medications.

Boaters caught operating under the influence face severe penalties, including:

• Bail and heavy criminal fines

• Jail time

• Boat impoundment

• Loss of boating privileges

To maximize safety, the TWRA is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and local marine patrol units.

In addition to staying sober, authorities are urging all boaters to take simple, life-saving precautions this weekend: wear a USCG-approved life jacket, use an engine cut-off switch, and ensure a sober operator is always at the helm.