Tennessee bill mandates insurance for personal watercraft to improve boating safety

In a poignant meeting of the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee, lawmakers gathered to discuss a critical piece of legislation aimed at enhancing safety on Tennessee's waterways. The backdrop of this discussion was underscored by a tragic personal story shared by Reverend Nancy Miller Herron, whose family has been deeply affected by a jet ski accident.

The proposed bill, SB 918, seeks to amend the Personal Watercraft Act, which has remained unchanged since its inception in 1996. At that time, personal watercraft like jet skis operated on a mere 18 horsepower. Today, models such as the Sedoo RXPX boast an astonishing 300 horsepower—17 times more powerful. This dramatic increase in power has contributed to a rise in boating incidents, with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reporting a 28% increase in such incidents since the pandemic, resulting in approximately 600 incidents over the past four years. Alarmingly, personal watercraft were involved in a third of all serious boating injuries and half of all boating-related deaths in 2023.

The proposed legislation aims to require personal watercraft owners to carry liability insurance, a measure that supporters argue is essential for ensuring accountability and safety on the water. The bill has already passed the House Agriculture Subcommittee unanimously, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for reform.

Reverend Herron, a retired United Methodist minister and former Tennessee claims commissioner, shared her family's heart-wrenching experience during the meeting. Her husband, Roy, was fatally injured in a jet ski collision involving an 11-year-old operator. The incident left their family grappling with the aftermath, including the lack of insurance coverage for the jet ski involved, which hindered their ability to seek financial restitution for medical expenses incurred by the injured party.

In her emotional appeal, Herron emphasized the importance of the proposed insurance requirement, stating that while it may seem like a minor adjustment, it could significantly impact families affected by similar tragedies. She urged lawmakers to consider the broader implications of the bill, not just for her family but for all those who might face the consequences of boating accidents in the future.

As the committee deliberates on this legislation, the stakes are high. The potential for increased safety on Tennessee's lakes hangs in the balance, with the hope that this bill could prevent future tragedies and provide a measure of protection for families navigating the waters of grief and loss. The committee's decision will be closely watched, as it could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to enhance boating safety in the state.