Boating Safety: How to Avoid Tragedy on the Water

With increased boating rentals and purchases, experts emphasize the importance of safety measures to prevent accidents and fatalities on the water.

The tragic death of 15-year-old ballerina Ella Riley Adler in a hit-and-run boating incident has ignited a crucial discussion about the disparity in punishments for hit-and-run incidents on the road and at sea. Adler was fatally struck by an oncoming vessel while wakeboarding in Florida's Biscayne Bay.

Carlos Guillermo Alonso, the 78-year-old owner of the 42-foot Boston Whaler involved in the collision, reportedly left the scene without stopping, leading to calls for stricter penalties for hit-and-run boaters.

Currently, under Florida law, drivers on the roadway can face up to 30 years in prison for hit-and-run incidents, depending on the severity of the offense. However, for hit-and-run boating accidents involving personal injury or death, the maximum sentence is only five years.

"This is the first case that I know of where [the driver] left — normally, people stay and provide some kind of assistance," said Raquel Regalado, a Miami-Dade Commissioner. "We have more boating [after] the pandemic and a lot of traffic coming in and out of the bay — regulations should mirror [those on the road]."

Maritime attorneys have also expressed concern about the lenient penalties for hit-and-run boating incidents. James Perry, a Florida Maritime Attorney, estimates that he handles a case involving a significant injury or death every six weeks.

"It doesn't make any sense that we have a statute" enhancing sentencing in Florida hit-and-run accidents on land when a boat is "vessel where there is more damage and no one to help them if they're hurt," said Florida Attorney Mark Eiglarsh. "There is a disconnect."

Perry emphasized the need to prove that Alonso was aware of the collision to press criminal charges. However, he anticipates that Adler's death will likely lead to a civil lawsuit, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

The area where the accident occurred is known for its heavy traffic and high winds, raising safety concerns for watersports enthusiasts. "Where this occurred is a busy area, I'm not sure it would be an overly smart area to be waterskiing," said Perry.

Adler's family has released a statement expressing their grief and thanking the community for their support. "Our hearts are broken as we long for the everyday joys of being with Ella," the family said. "Our greatest comfort now is seeing the amplification of Ella's goodness and grace, and the flood of messages of how she was loved and will be remembered."

In light of Adler's death, several foundations created by families who have lost their children in boating accidents have launched a safety initiative. They aim to educate the public about boating safety, promote responsible boating practices, and advocate for stricter penalties for hit-and-run boaters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is still investigating the accident, and Alonso's attorney has declined to comment until press time. The outcome of this case and the subsequent safety initiatives may set an important precedent for addressing hit-and-run boating incidents and improving boating safety measures in Florida and beyond.