KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Labor Day marks the end of summer boating season for many. Boating deaths statewide are below average right now, but the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is warning of one cause that has had a spike in incidents this summer.

TWRA said there have been 18 deadly boating incidents across the state this year, which is below the year-to-year average. However, there was an uptick in serious incidents from propeller strikes.

Matthew Cameron with TWRA said they saw about 10 propeller incidents that left someone seriously injured or dead. He said the best way to keep everyone safe is to turn off the boat’s engine. It’s a simple action that can be easy to overlook.

“Just be extra cautious when operating a boat when someone’s in the water near your boat,” Cameron said.

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