Tennessee registers nine paddling deaths in 2020

Tennessee had the unfortunate distinction of recording the most paddle boating fatalities in the US in 2020.

Statistics from the American Canoe Association Tennessee tied with Arkansas for the most paddling deaths with nine—a data point that ACA state director Andrea White says is attributed to paddlers with no experience getting into trouble even in the easiest waterways.

One of those deaths came on the Nolichucky River in September near the Tennessee – North Carolina border when a 63-year-old raft rider was flushed out of her craft and swept underwater.

State wildlife officials have reported 5 boating or rafting deaths so far this year.

(IMAGE: American Canoe Association / Facebook / Public File)