TWRA & ABC Partner In The Fight Against Boating Under the Influence

This week on Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Don King welcome two special guests to spotlight a critical summer topic: staying safe on Tennessee’s waterways. With boating traffic on the rise since 2020 and more families heading outdoors, now is the perfect time to revisit the rules that keep everyone safe on our lakes and rivers.We’re joined by Aaron Rummage, Director of Legislation, Policy, and Communications with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, along with TWRA’s Jon Mark—District 21 boating officer, former Boating Officer of the Year, and bilingual educator on the water. Together, they dive deep into Operation Dry Water, BUI enforcement, and the joint efforts of TWRA, ABC, MADD, THP, and local agencies to prevent tragedies on both waterways and roadways.The team covers rising boat registrations, the impact of COVID‑era alcohol consumption, and the sobering data behind alcohol‑related boating and driving incidents. They also share success stories, including reduced fatalities over the July 4th holiday and declines in statewide alcohol‑related road deaths thanks to multi‑agency collaboration. Jon Mark offers firsthand insight from the field—everything from educating non‑English‑speaking boaters to the environmental factors that intensify impairment on the water.Whether you’re a weekend boater, avid angler, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical reminders: wear your life jacket, designate a sober operator, and stay alert. Every incident prevented means one more family getting home safely. Tune in, subscribe, and help us spread the message of responsible recreation in Tennessee.