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Editor: Rod Sullivan
Profession: Maritime Attorney

Category: Boating Accidents

Egypt Lake is barely even a lake. It sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood barely two miles north of Tampa International Airport. Over the years, it has become a favorite spot for jet skiers to practice wave jumping, sharp turns, and acrobatics, free from motorboat traffic. It was safe, or so it seemed. Last week, James and Benjamin Parker, ages 14 and 13, riding on their jet ski, crashed into a dock which projected into the lake, severely injuring both of them. Some witnesses speculated that the two brothers had tried to pass underneath the dock. It is estimated they doing between 15 and 20 mph. St. Joseph's Hospital was only a few blocks away. Nevertheless, the boys remain in critical condition.

In Florida, operators of jet skis, officially called "personal watercraft" must be at least 14 years old. Operators under 21 must have a boater safety identification card unless they are accompanied by someone over the age of 21, or someone holding a valid card. Operators and passengers must be wearing PFD's, and must only operate during daylight hours, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Someone commented that "letting at 13 or 14 year old run a jet ski is sort of like giving them the keys to the Porsche." Perhaps. Like any group of teenagers, some will be mature enough, and well trained enough to safely operate a jet ski. Others, not so much. We want to protect them, at the same time we want them to grow into responsible adults.