Tennessee Senate advances Personal Watercraft Act to enhance boating safety

A new bill aimed at enhancing safety on Tennessee's waterways is making waves in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. Senate Bill 918, introduced in honor of the late Roy Herron, seeks to require personal watercraft owners to carry personal liability insurance. This move comes in response to alarming statistics from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), which reported a 28% increase in boating incidents since the pandemic, with personal watercraft linked to a third of all serious boating injuries and half of all boating-related deaths in 2023.

The bill's sponsor emphasized the need for this legislation, noting that personal watercraft have evolved significantly since the Personal Watercraft Act was passed in 1996, with horsepower now reaching up to 300—17 times more powerful than earlier models. The proposed amendment focuses solely on personal responsibility rather than age restrictions for operators, distinguishing it from a separate approach currently being considered in the House.

Committee members expressed support for the bill, recognizing the importance of addressing safety on Tennessee's lakes and rivers, which are vital to the state's lifestyle. The committee is expected to move forward with the bill, paving the way for further discussions with the House on related legislation. As boating incidents continue to rise, the push for personal liability insurance could mark a significant step toward safer recreational boating in Tennessee.