Byrdstown, Tennessee, Dale Hollow Lake: Great Vacation Spot

Dale Hollow Lake is a beautiful part of Tennessee. It is probably the biggest tourist attraction in the state. This is a very popular vacation spot for many individuals, couples, and families. When summertime comes, the lake floods with tourists from everywhere.

Personally, I have seen more vehicles from Indiana and Ohio than any other state when summer arrives. They pull boats, jet skis, pontoons, and all kinds of water sport equipment. The town of Byrdstown, "The Gateway to Dale Hollow" is buzzing with families all ready for summer fun. Cabins are full, the lake is swimming with a sea of people, laughing, and enjoying their vacations. It is a time for relaxation and good times.

Byrdstown has the typical "hometown" image (low crime rates, town festivals, and especially the lake). This is what many people look for and where they want to go for their family getaways, and Byrdstown is only profiting as would any town trying to survive.

In saying this, I think that more attention should be paid to one of the scariest and major tragedies that happens more than is thought in this area...the drownings. The current number of drownings in Dale Hollow Lake are approximately 126. Obviously, this is not something that the town wants to display in bright neon lights all throughout Byrdstown. During the countless number of searches on the internet that I have done, only one of them came up with the total number of drownings in Dale Hollow. These casualties are important facts that need to be stated when advertising Dale Hollow Lake.

There is no need to state the evident fact that everyone knows to be careful around water. Stating the drowning numbers somewhere in advertisement, such as brochures or their website, would get the message across to families of how dangerous it can be in the lake. If families are aware of the number of drowning victims in Dale Hollow, they might pay more attention to their safety measures. I drive by the recreational swimming area of the lake in Pickett County on the way to Livingston and Cookeville all the time. I see many adults and children on boats and swimming in the water.

One thing I do not see many of, however, are life-jackets and safety devices. I see children swimming in areas outside the buoys. The buoys are there for a reason. Outside of these safety boundaries are many areas with drop-offs, rocks, and plants underwater that you could easily get tangled in. Of the previous approximation of 126 drownings mentioned, NONE were wearing life-jackets.

There is a sign at the swimming area of the Obey River Park that plainly states how many drownings there have been in the lake so far and it is kept up-to-date. With this warning, why do so many people ignore these facts and send their children out without life-jackets on? Why do they insist on swimming, and letting their children swim, in these dangerous areas? With these statistics, families should take more care when visiting the lake.

An unfortunate tragedy happened just a few months ago when a 20-year-old man drowned after falling from a boat. And in August 2006, a local 11-year-old boy drowned. If this happens to locals, just think of what happens with tourists who only come once a year and may be unfamiliar with the lake. This just goes to show that it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, it only takes a second to drown.

The sign at the lake is obviously a great idea to get the message out, but displaying the number of drownings should also be an important part of the information given about Dale Hollow Lake. This is a wonderful place for family recreation and can be a vacation spot of great lasting memories.