A recent law passed in the state of Florida is named after Lucy Fernandez, an Our Lady of Lourdes student whose untimely passing September 4, 2022, due to a boating accident occurred as she was one of the 14 passengers on a vessel which hit a channel marker, capsizing in Boca Chita Key.
To prevent from an incident like this happening again, Lucy’s Law has been implemented a new boating safety that targets to enhance caution on water by increasing the penalties of boat accidents and reckless activity.
“I think that Lucy’s Law is needed. Those who don’t have the knowledge to be driving a boat shouldn’t be. If an accident happens under someone with little acknowledgment, that person should receive stronger penalties,” said sophomore Isabella Iammuno.
A related Florida Senate measure raises penalties for dangerous boating but does not include a requirement for boating safety education.
Another proposal, not only increases penalties but also mandates the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to mark state IDs or driver’s licenses for individuals who complete approved boating safety courses. It also requires ignition interlock devices on boats owned or leased by convicted individuals and imposes harsher penalties for refusing blood, urine, or breath tests when there’s reasonable cause.
“The new law prevents something devastating from happen twice,” said sophomore Teresa Kurishingal.
What Else Can Boating Safety Accomplish?
- It raises the consequences for individuals who break boating laws or operate vessels in a dangerous manner.
- Reckless boating without causing an accident would be elevated from a first-degree to a second-degree misdemeanor.
– If reckless boating leads to an accident causing property damage or injury to another person, it would be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. - If the accident results in serious bodily harm, the offense would be considered a third-degree felony.
- Makes boating education mandatory for anyone found guilty of a noncriminal boating violation.
- It also requires all Florida boaters to complete a boating safety course, unless they were born before January 1, 1988, have lived in Florida continuously for at least five years, and can provide proof of completing an approved boating safety certification.
“I think it’s best that they go harsher on people because it was a really sad thing that happened to the girl and the other students,” said sophomore Julia Alemany.
