One of the most beautiful and unique natural attractions we have here in South Florida is the Florida Everglades. Each year, tourists come from around the world to see the natural 
wonder of the River of Grass. The wildlife and the history of the Everglades is something that all Floridians can appreciate, too. One of the best ways to see it all up-close is by taking an airboat ride. However, many often ask, “Are airboats safe in Florida?”
Are Airboats Safe in Florida?
According to a Miami New Times analysis, between the years of 2014-2017, there were over 75 airboat accidents on both private and commercial craft, resulting in seven deaths and over 100 injuries. The number of accidents and the amount of injuries seems high for an activity that is supposed to be fun and educational.
In 2017, a new University of Miami graduate, Elizabeth “Ellie” Goldenberg was on an airboat ride with her family to celebrate earning her college degree when the airboat tipped over. Ellie became stuck under the engine and was later declared dead. The airboat driver tested positive for THC. However, after an investigation, officials were unable to tell whether the driver was negligent and caused the accident.
Ellie’s Law Sets Airboat Operator Requirements
Since that tragic accident, Ellie’s family and lawmakers in Florida have rallied to pass Ellie’s Law, which went into effect this year. Ellie’s Law requires that airboat operators complete a training course and pass an exam before they are legally allowed to drive an airboat. The new training requirements state that operators must attend 24 hours of training, including eight hours of classroom time and 14 hours on the water, and that they must be trained in CPR and first aid. The law stops short of requiring background checks and drug tests. The penalty for non-compliance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for making sure that airboat operators are compliant. However, the Commission does not keep a record of companies not in compliance.
Airboat Safety Tips
The airboat industry is still widely unregulated. There is not a minimum age requirement to operate an airboat, and passengers are not required to wear seatbelts and life vests. When riding an airboat, the most common safety features that you will be provided by the operator are earplugs and a headset, which are extremely important to protect your ears from the loud noises of the engine.
When considering an airboat ride, here are some additional safety tips to remember.
• Always stay seated inside the airboat, and never dangle your arms or legs outside of the airboat.
• Do not throw anything overboard, and ensure that your belongings are safely stowed inside the airboat where they cannot fly away.
• Do not ever attempt to feed any wildlife while on an airboat ride. This action could put you and the other passengers at risk.
• Additionally, do not try to lean out and touch any plants or stick your hand in the water. You could also risk disrupting the balance of the boat.
• If you choose to bring small children with you, inform them of the rules of riding in an airboat and make sure that they are securely seated with a parent.
• If you have a medical condition, it’s best to check with a medical professional before riding in an airboat. Notify your operator of your condition if the ride could trigger it.
• Never ride an airboat if you don’t know how to swim without wearing a life vest.
Airboat accidents are not very common, but they do happen. If you are the victim of a Florida airboat accident that resulted in serious injuries, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to inquire about seeking compensation to cover both economical and noneconomical damages. Call us at Panter, Panter, and Sampedro for a free first-time consultation at (305) 662-6178.
References:
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, & Sun Sentinel Editorial Board. (2018, December 13). Airboats still a risky way to visit Everglades: Editorial. Retrieved from https://sun-sentinel.com/opinion/editorials/fl-op-editorial-airboats-20180726-story.html
Madrid, M. (2019, July 17). No One Knows How Many Airboat Operators Are Following Florida’s New Safety Rules. Retrieved from http://miaminewtimes.com/news/florida-rolls-out-airboat-safety-rules-under-ellies-law-but-state-doesnt-monitor-compliance-11217014
