Shelby County Sheriff Water Recovery Unit

07/03/2026

Starting today, officials will begin heightened enforcement of Tennessee waterways as part of Operation Dry Water, a campaign to prevent impaired boating during the July 4th holiday weekend.

07/01/2026

We want everyone to have a safe but fun time on the water this weekend. Please be aware of the increased boaters on the water. All children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD unless on a boat more than 39 ft. If you are going to pull towable tubes and such please do it outside of channels, not in high traffic areas or where boats are rafted up at anchor.

Celebrating our country's 250th anniversary? Please do it responsibly!

From July 3–5, TWRA officers across Tennessee will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign focused on removing impaired boat operators from our waterways and educating the public about the dangers of boating under the influence.

Boaters can expect increased patrols throughout the holiday weekend as our officers work to keep Tennessee's lakes and rivers safe for everyone.

Alcohol remains the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities, and the effects of alcohol are amplified on the water by sun, wind, heat, vibration, and motion. Operating a boat or personal watercraft with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is illegal in Tennessee and can result in fines, jail time, boat impoundment, and the loss of boating privileges.

Last Fourth of July weekend, TWRA officers made 24 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests, and one life was tragically lost on Center Hill Lake.

Before you leave the dock:
- Designate a sober operator.
- Wear your life jacket.
- Stay alert and boat responsibly.

Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend on Tennessee's waters!

06/18/2026

Throw back Thursday. 10 years ago we were in Paris Landing doing multi agency Water Search & Dive Operations. We had members from TWRA, Henry Co. Rescue Squad, Fayette Co. Sheriffs SAR and Fayette EMA attending. After all the teaching and preaching that was covered, I see that we had the Hydratrec in the water with none of the occupants wearing PFD's. I have not seen a Hydratrec sink but it is certainly possible. Our SOG's reflect that if operations get you within 10ft of the water, personell must wear PFD.

Well, pictures are that 1000 words!! In hind sight, there were PFD's under the seats but they are only effective when worn. I'm sure " we weren't planning on getting in the water with it". ?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPUVGeQj7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/16/2026

Mr. Hinton has been recovered from Tennessee River around the tri state line on Pickwick Lake. Al. Ms. Tn. Thank you Hardin County Fire, other resources and posting this news.

June 16, 2026 10:00 am, The search for the missing boater on Pickwick lake resumed this morning at 5:00, and at 6:30 am Hardin County firefighters recovered the body of Mr. Hinton in the lake near the location he was last seen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tragic event. Thanks to all the agencies and volunteers that assisted with the search.

06/14/2026

Crews will begin their search again this morning at 6:00 am. We hope the weather will break for their safety and hope he can be located and recovered soon. So sorry for the effected friends and family.

June 16, 10:00 am UPDATE the body of Mr. Hinton was recovered this morning, prayers for his family 🙏

June 13, 2026 2:49 pm , Hardin County firefighters and our dive team with 2 boats responded to Pickwick lake on a reported drowning. The reports indicated a 61 year old male fell off a pontoon boat and did not resurface. The location was in Pickwick lake across from the mouth of yellow creek and actually located in Alabama. Hardin county fire with assistance from TWRA, Alabama marine patrol, Mississippi wildlife and Waterloo Fire searched till severe storms moved into the area this evening. The missing person was not found , but the search will resume at first light tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

06/13/2026

Flashback 7 years ago with mutual aid to Haywood County. Getting suited up for a recovery.

06/09/2026

Boating season is here and we would like to remind you of safety on the water. Many people do not use the safety kill switch on their boats. We have worked and seen several incidents where lives were lost because of this. With the lanyard attached to you while running and you get thrown overboard from rouge wave, etc., it will kill the engine when it pulls out the safety. This fisherman was very lucky to be seen when this happened.
We also encourage you to take a boater safety course. Many states like Alabama are requiring documentation of completion when stopped. We also recommend that you wear a Coast Guard approved PFD ( Life Jacket ) while boating. It is required for anyone under the age of 13 in Tennessee.

Please stay safe while enjoying our lakes and rivers.
https://youtube.com/shorts/f1iKRrncvhc?si=yU9ot2vfsY8inZI-@

Video Credit:

05/25/2026

Today we recognize those who wore the uniform and paid the ultimate price for us all. Remembering and honoring these brave servants.