An 11-year-old girl from Florida, Brooke Mejeur, tragically lost her life after being thrown overboard and fatally struck by a boat’s propeller on Palm Beach County’s Lake Osborne.

Brooke was on a 20-foot pontoon boat with two unnamed adults and two unnamed minors when she was accidentally ejected. The boat’s bow suddenly dropped without warning, sending her into the water, where she was struck by the propeller in front of the other passengers, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

What Is the Top Cause of Boating Accidents in Florida?

With over one million registered recreational boats, Florida leads the nation in boating activity, far surpassing California’s 700,000 vessels, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This popularity, however, has come with a rise in boating accidents, primarily due to “operator inattention,” as identified by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

The second leading cause of boating accidents, unsurprisingly, is “operator inexperience.” Maritime attorneys in Florida note that both operator inattention and inexperience are recurrent factors in injury cases, often compounded by the increasing popularity of boat clubs and one-day rentals. These options put many novice boaters on the water, some with only basic knowledge of boating safety and the “Rules of the Road” for navigation.

The third most common cause is the “failure to keep a lookout,” which involves either the operator or a designated lookout not actively observing the surroundings. Excessive speed and alcohol are also major contributors, though operator inattention is nearly three times more common than alcohol-related incidents, while inexperience is twice as prevalent.

In 2022, the USCG recorded 2,354 boating accidents nationwide, resulting in 306 fatalities and 1,502 injuries. However, these figures exclude many inland incidents on lakes and rivers, which are often handled by FWC or local authorities. In many cases, multiple factors contribute to accidents, such as inattention paired with excessive speed or the lack of a lookout.

Why Are There So Many Inexperienced Boaters in Florida?

Florida’s boating regulations do not require first-time boat owners to prove proficiency at the helm. If born before January 1, 1988, a new boater isn’t even required to take the online boating safety course mandated for younger operators. This means anyone born before 1988 can buy, rent, or join a boat club without demonstrating any formal training.

When Are Boating Accidents Most Likely to Occur?

The USCG data shows that most fatal boating accidents occur in the late afternoon, particularly between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. On sunny days, after long hours on the water—often with alcohol involved—many boaters begin to head back to marinas and boat ramps, creating a rush. To avoid the congestion at popular docking locations around 5-6 p.m., boaters often race for a spot, which only increases the risk.

Navigating Safely in Open Waters

Outside of navigational channels, there are no structured lanes, unlike roads on land. The Coast Guard’s “Rules of the Road” establish how boats should pass each other, but not all boaters are well-versed in these regulations. Understanding these rules is crucial to safe navigation, as lanes and paths are often unpredictable.

Laws Governing Boating Accidents

Unlike car accidents, boating accidents fall under maritime law in most Florida cases, even those that appear to be inland. This applies to incidents involving various vessels, from personal watercraft to kayaks, across Florida’s extensive coastline, rivers, and estuaries.

With an influx of novice boaters on Florida’s waters, experienced boaters should drive defensively, treating each encounter as if the other operator is new to boating. This approach is especially prudent with operators aged 36 and older, who may be navigating a boat for the very first time.

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(Image credit: CBS 12 West Palm Beach)