The first weekend of summer means the first big weekend for patrols to be on the Tennessee rivers and waterways.
"I heard they're going to be out in full force making sure people aren't doing anything stupid," boater Nick Tate said, describing TWRA and other Tennessee law enforcement agencies participating in "Operation Dry Water."
"On (Fort) Loudoun (Lake), we made one arrest last night, so we are seeing impaired boaters," TWRA officer Jeffery Roberson said.
The main purpose of "Operation Dry Water" is to scope out boating under the influence cases, or BUI's. The nationwide effort, usually during the first week of summer, has been going on for four years.
"There are some obstacles we have to overcome. But in other areas, we can detect impaired boaters easier than it would be (if it was a motor vehicle)," Roberson added. In Tennessee, anyone who has a BAC of .08 while operating a boat is considered drunk; the same as if someone is driving a car.
"People can do some dumb things on the lakes, so you have to watch it and watch everyone else," boater Tate said. He said one eye will be on the water, and the other will be on the boats surrounding him.
Also, officers will patrol for erratic driving and life vest usage during Operation Dry Water. In Tennessee, all kids under 12 must have a life vest.