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Course Outline

People swimming in the area designated for swimming; buoy says Swim Area.

Tennessee law states that it is unlawful to operate a watercraft in a reckless, negligent, or dangerous manner. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail. Specifically, the following operating practices are illegal.

Reckless Operation of a vessel is any act that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person. Examples of illegal, reckless operation are:

  • Operating a vessel in a swimming area
  • Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic
  • Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision or spray others nearby
  • Jumping the wake of another vessel in a way that endangers another’s life, safety, or property
  • Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel
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