5 Memorial Day Boat Safety Tips for Kentucky and Tennessee Waterways
May 20, 2025
Boating in Kentucky and Tennessee
Whether you’re heading out to Kentucky Lake or taking the family down the Cumberland River, boating in Kentucky and Tennessee gives boat enthusiasts the opportunity to explore these great states and take in the epic scenery in the summer months. In both Tennessee and Kentucky, Memorial Day weekend is often seen as the start of boating season, but before you set your hitch and head out, make sure to review these boat safety tips and laws to ensure you have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.
In The Article
Follow the Laws in Your Area
Kentucky and Tennessee have different laws for boaters that include registration requirements, rules of the waterways, boat operation, and required equipment.
Kentucky Boat Laws
Registered boats in Kentucky will be given a registration number and decals that must be displayed on the bow (forward half) of the boat on each side.
Boat operators must be over 12 years old to operate a motorboat that has 10 horsepower or more, and boaters between 12 and 17 must complete and hold a Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate Card.
Kentucky also has a list of required equipment for boat safety, including personal floatation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arresters, navigation lights, and signaling devices.
Tennessee Boat Laws
Tennessee requires a boating registration and a registration number to be displayed on the hull of the boat.
In Tennessee, anyone born after January 1, 1989 must complete the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and have the Boating Safety Education Certificate on hand while they operate the boat.
Age restrictions for Tennessee boaters are a little different than Kentucky. Boaters under 12 years old are allowed to take control of the vessel, if they have a supervisor that is at least 18 years older who holds a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Required equipment on boats in Tennessee include: life jackets for all on board, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, ventilation systems, backfire flame arrestors, mufflers, airhorn or whistle (to produce sound), and visual distress signals like flares.
Tennessee offers great resources to ensure that you maintain safety and legal practices while driving your boat. The Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities gives detailed information on laws and more for boaters.
Have Emergency Gear on Board
In Kentucky and Tennessee, it’s required to have certain safety equipment on your boat. This includes a life jacket for each person on board and a fire extinguisher.
Additional safety equipment that you should have on board at all times includes:
- A first aid kit, in case of emergencies that require fast response.
- Fresh water to avoid dehydration.
- Medical supplies for those who have medical needs (e.g. insulin, seizure medications).
Maintaining safety while on a boat requires attention to safety details. Be sure your boat is properly stocked with emergency equipment to help. Always be prepared.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence
Summer weekends on the boat may include consumption of alcohol. While you should always drink responsibly, it’s essential to know the boating laws for boat operators and the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can affect a boat operator’s balance and response time, so it’s essential to stay within the legal limit of drinking in each state.
BUI Laws in Tennessee
In Tennessee Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is against the law. The BUI laws in the state hold the same repercussions as Driving Under the Influence (laws), and a getting a BUI after a DUI is considered a second offense. If an official has reasonable grounds or suspicion to believe that a boat operator is under the influence, they are allowed to administer a drug or alcohol test, under Tennessee’s implied consent laws for boat operators. The legal limit for BAC in Tennessee is 0.08.
BUI Laws in Kentucky
Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is considered “under the influence” in Kentucky. In addition, if you are operating a boat on Kentucky waterways, you have given consent to drug and alcohol testing. Like Tennessee, Kentucky officials can administer the test, the consent is implied. Should you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, are subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
Enjoy a few drinks while on Tennessee or Kentucky waterways may be a great summer activity, but overindulging or going beyond your limit can have devastating effects on the people around you. According to Fox Chattanooga, “a BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities.” This serious statistic shows that many boating deaths on Tennessee and Kentucky waterways are avoidable, and operator intoxication is a major contributing factor.
If you think of drinking and boating the same as drinking and driving, having a designated boat operator is the same as having a designated driver at a party. One responsible person can save the lives of everyone on your boat.
Be Weather Aware
Tennessee and Kentucky are no strangers to severe weather. Those who have driven our roads may already know the weather risks that exist throughout the year in each state. Exercising safety in severe weather situations while boating may look a little different than road safety.
One of the best things you can do to plan a beautiful and safe Memorial Day weekend is to check the weather forecasts for the area(s) you’ll be boating. Knowing if there is a chance of severe thunderstorms or even tornadic activity can help you plan your trip properly.
If you find yourself in an unforeseen weather event while on the boat, here are some things you can do:
- Slow down, but do not come to a complete stop. You want to keep enough power to steer the boat and keep moving.
- Close windows, hatches, and any other openings that can cause the boat to take on additional water.
- Make sure your boats lights are on.
- Prepare to remove water, if bailing is necessary.
- Everyone should be wearing their life jackets to ensure rough waters don’t result in passengers going overboard.
- Passengers should sit on the floor, near the center of the boat for more stability.
- Get to shore, if possible, to do so safely and without damaging docks or other vessels.
Being weather aware helps you and your family avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
There will be a lot of people on the water in Kentucky and Tennessee this Memorial Day, and it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Kayakers, canoers, divers, fishers, tubers, jet skiers, and more will be in the water, and to ensure the safety of everyone in the waters, you must always be on the lookout.
Giving smaller vessels and independent swimmers as much room as possible can be the difference between life and death for them. In Kentucky, “Boaters must use idle speed (the slowest speed possible to maintain the maneuverability of a boat) when passing another boat with an occupant actively fishing.” Being aware of other boater and fishermen on the water is essential to safety for all on the public waterways.
Wishing You a Happy and Safe Memorial Day Weekend
As you reflect on those we’ve lost this Memorial Day and celebrate their lives, Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers wants you to know that we stand with you in remembrance. We care about you and your family and want you to have a safe weekend. We hope these tips help you practice boating safety throughout Tennessee and Kentucky.
