Reckless Operation

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