As the popularity of paddlesports grows in Northeast Tennessee, so does education for sailing in the different waterways. Paddle crafts – used for paddle sports – are classified by the state as human-powered vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

And helping usher in the activity is Carter County and Elizabethton. Over the years, the communities have welcomed in kayakers locally, and across the globe, to use various waterways, including Watauga River. Due to the popularity, city and county officials have started mulling the idea of implementing a whitewater park. Earlier this year, a presentation was held with various local leaders, whitewater groups and a river restoration company to discuss the economic impacts a project could bring in.

Even though excitement has hit the area, safety precautions are also being stressed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Over the span of four months, emergency personnel from the city and county have responded to various calls involving the local waterways, either from individuals capsizing on a river or in tragic circumstances of recovering an individual that has died in an accident. Local emergency personnel responded to the scene of an accident Tuesday that resulted in an individual losing his life on Watauga River, within the vicinity of Hunter Bridge.

While not all accidents have been directly correlated from paddlesports, TWRA was able to provide the Elizabethton Star on statistics over the past three years in regards to accidents involving the vessels.

Matt Cameron, TWRA Region 4 spokesperson, stated that for 2018, as of Wednesday, the organization has reported nine fatal boating incidents across the state along with 14 accidents involving serious injuries. Of the fatal incidents, four were involving paddle crafts.

In 2017, Cameron added there were eight total incidents involving paddle crafts. Two of the incidents were fatal and involved serious injury. These injuries are excluding whitewater activities. The 2017 numbers were an increase from 2016, according to the spokesperson.

“The most common type of paddlesports incident is capsizing and most the fatalities are a result of drowning with most victims not wearing a PFD,” Cameron said.

Cameron was also able to provide a document from TWRA that is open to the public involving the laws with paddlesports.

Laws include:

• An approved, wearable life jacket for each person must be accessible. Throw cushions do not meet the requirement.

• Life jackets must be on board, not attached on a line.

• Individuals under 13 years old must wear a life jacket while underway. Drifting is considered underway.

• A paddle craft must have a white light or lantern after sunset or during times of restrict visibility.

• Boater’s registration must be on board the vessel.

• A fishing license is required for anyone of the age of 13 years old if either helping or attempting to fish.

• No littering.

• No use of drugs, controlled substances or alcohol.

Other tips offered by TWRA include keeping a proper lookout at all times, do not overload a boat and do not have anyone less than 16 years old in an inflatable life jacket.

Individuals are encouraged to visit the TWRA website to learn more about safety measures before taking to the waterways across the state.