Springs Dock & Resort Office

For state-law purposes, a person must be at least 12 to operate alone a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower, while anyone renting a personal watercraft must be at least 16. An operator under 12 must have a supervisor aboard who is at least 18 and able to take immediate control; if that supervisor was born after January 1, 1989, the supervisor also needs a TWRA boating safety certificate. Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 operating over 8.5 horsepower need the TWRA certificate; nonresidents in that birth-date group need a NASBLA-approved certificate. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

Yes, Tennessee requires many recreational operators to carry boating safety certification. Residents born after January 1, 1989, operating vessels over 8.5 horsepower need TWRA certification; nonresidents in that age group may use a NASBLA approved certificate. The rule includes personal watercraft. Operators under 12 need an adult at least 18 aboard who can immediately take control, while anyone under 16 may not rent a personal watercraft.

Motorized boat renters generally receive a TWRA approved safety orientation. Certification exemptions also include engines of 8.5 horsepower or less, sailboats under sail alone, and operation with a qualifying adult aboard. The TWRA app may show certification while awaiting the card; an exam permit alone is not proof. TWRA administers the program.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

From LaFollette, launch onto Norris Reservoir at Lonas Young Memorial Park’s White Bridge boat ramp, then choose among Big Creek, Whitman Hollow Branch and the main Clinch River arm. Big Creek offers more enclosed water than the main reservoir; Whitman Hollow is a smaller side branch; and the Clinch arm provides broader, more open water. For a longer outing, continue through the connected reservoir toward the Powell River arm. TWRA notes that Norris impounds the Clinch and Powell rivers and experiences wide elevation changes, so check current depth and ramp conditions before entering backwaters.

Source: Tennessee Valley Authority (tva.com)

From LaFollette, three practical Norris Lake day trips are Cedar Creek Jumping Bridge, Anderson County Park and Loyston Point. Cedar Creek Jumping Bridge, on the Powell River arm, is a popular gathering and swimming stop; Anderson County Park combines a public swimming area with picnic shelters and a playground; and Loyston Point has a sandy swimming beach, shaded picnic tables, grills and a children’s swing set. These stops give boaters a mix of social swimming, family shore time and a beach break without leaving Norris Lake.

Source: Anderson County Government (andersoncountytn.gov)