Spring break is a time for relaxation, adventure, and new experiences—often enjoyed on the water. From parasailing to wakeboarding, tourists and spring breakers flock to coastal cities like Miami to try their hand at exciting water sports and recreational boating. However, these activities come with risks, especially for those unfamiliar with proper safety measures or relying on inexperienced or incompetent providers.
If you are heading out for some aquatic fun, it is important to learn about potential dangers, safety precautions, and the steps you should take if an accident occurs. Below is your guide to making your spring break one to remember—for all the right reasons.
Why Spring Breakers Face Increased Risks in Miami Waters
Spring break sees a surge in water sports and boating activity, with many participants being first-timers. While the excitement of trying new things is contagious, inexperience is one of the leading causes of accidents during this period.
Here’s why spring breakers may be more vulnerable:
- Lack of preparation and inexperience: Many tourists do activities that they have never tried, without proper training or safety briefings.
- Overcrowded Waters: High tourist volume increases the likelihood of collisions and incidents.
- Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol often plays a role in accidents, impairing judgment and reaction times.
- Rushed Operations: With demand peaking during spring break, some businesses prioritize quantity over safety, cutting corners in passenger or crew training, equipment maintenance, or safety protocols.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention.
Popular Spring Break Activities in Miami
- Boating
Renting or chartering a boat is a popular spring break activity. With a variety of waterways and vessel types, there is a boating adventure suitable for everyone. Whether it is a relaxing pontoon ride or a high-speed adventure, accidents – including collisions and overboard falls – are all too common. The U.S. Coast Guard frequently cites alcohol and inattention as primary causes of boating incidents.
- Jet Skiing
Jet Skiing is the perfect activity for any adrenaline junkie. The thrill of maneuvering a powerful jet ski across the water gives an unmatched sense of freedom and excitement. However, due to high speeds these vehicles can reach, collisions with other watercraft and potential injuries from falls make safety precautions essential for jet skiing enthusiasts.
- Parasailing
Parasailing offers unmatched views. However, it also comes with risks such as equipment failure, rough weather, or inadequate operator training. Malfunctioning equipment, improper launch spots, or flying too close to other boats or structures can lead to severe injuries.
- Scuba Diving
Exploring underwater ecosystems is a bucket-list activity for many, but scuba diving requires experience and certifications. Accidents can occur due to equipment failure, improper training, or inexperienced guides. Decompression sickness, commonly known as “the bends,” is a serious risk without proper preparation.
What to Look for When Choosing a Watersport Activity Provider
Spring breakers can have a thrilling or relaxing spring break and there is a water sport activity for everyone. However, when choosing your water sport activity, you should consider:
Vessel and Equipment Condition
Water sport accidents can occur due to equipment failure, improper training, or inexperienced guides. Make sure your equipment has been inspected, and you know how to operate it. Even if you are not an expert, there are some easy questions you can ask yourself and things you should look for when examining your equipment and the vessel you are on.
- Do the vessel(s) and equipment look well-maintained?
- Is there anything that looks like it is in poor condition?
- Does the vessel have any signs of leaks or areas where oil or grease is dripping?
For any water sport, you should check your gear and equipment to assess if it is in serviceable condition and does not look overused, old, or damaged. For example, if ropes are involved, look for signs of damage like cuts, abrasions, fraying, exposed core, flat spots, discoloration, or excessive wear.
Scuba diving requires a variety of gear including tanks, regulator, BCD, mask, wetsuit, and fins. Given their critical nature, inspecting your scuba tank, regulator and BCD should be a priority. Scuba tanks must go through two inspections. First, the tanks should be visually inspected by a certified professional. A properly inspected tank will have a sticker with the date of this visual inspection (VIP)–be sure to check for it. Second, hydrostatic testing must be performed every five years. Tanks that have passed this inspection will have a stamp in the tank itself on the top near the valve with the date it was last completed.
Boating Licenses
Ensure that whoever is operating a rented boat has a valid boating license and understands local navigation rules. Operators born after January 1, 1988, are required to have completed a Boater’s Safety Course to operate a boat in Florida, although certain exceptions apply. If chartering a boat, the charter operator needs a valid Captain’s License or Charter Boat License, issued by the United States Coast Guard. You may ask the charter company or crew to show you proof they do.
Crewed Charters
Opt for a crewed boat if no one in your group has the required experience. Verify the captain’s credentials for peace of mind. Observe the crew and how they operate. Do they operate smoothly? Do they seem to know where everything is?
Safety Equipment
Before you sail off for a boat day or go off on a jet ski excursion, confirm the presence of life jackets (and that there are enough for all passengers), fire extinguishers, flares, and a first-aid kit on board. You should always know where the throw cushion /life ring is located, in case someone falls into the water or needs help. Always be prepared to throw it into the water in case of an emergency. If scuba diving, ask about the dive flags.
Preparation is key to avoiding preventable incidents or minimizing injuries in the event of an accident.
How to Choose a Reliable Water Sports Company or Charter:
Ensuring your safety starts with choosing a reputable company or charter for your activities. Beyond just browsing for the highest-rated operators on Google or Yelp, here is what to look for:
- Certifications and Licenses
Verify the company’s certifications, licenses, and adherence to local and federal maritime regulations. Operators conducting scuba excursions or parasailing must possess proper training and credentials. Asking about required certifications, licenses, and credentials can help ensure a safe spring break.
- Safety Standards
Confirm that equipment checks are routine and that safety protocols are strictly followed. Ask about maintenance routines and emergency plans.
- Reviews and Recommendations
While it should not be the only factor in choosing an operator, checking online reviews on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor can provide valuable insight into past customers’ experiences. Beyond prioritizing positive feedback about safety, staff knowledge, and professionalism, you should also carefully examine negative reviews and their specific complaints. If these reviews relate to the safety and operation of the vessel or water sport in a manner that raises red flags, you should consider choosing a different operator.
- Crew Training
If you are chartering a boat or enjoying a water sport activity, ensure the crew or guide are well-trained, experienced, and certified. The captain or guide should have a clear understanding of safety, navigation, and operation of their vessel; they should also have knowledge of expected local weather conditions. Discussing these topics with the crew and/or captain can provide an indication of their familiarity with the activity you are signing up for and their competence.
Selecting the right provider can be the difference between an unforgettable experience and a life-altering accident.
Plan an Exciting and Safe Spring Break Adventure
Spring break is an exciting time to explore new activities and create lasting memories, especially on the water. However, the risks associated with water sports and boating require planning, adherence to safety guidelines and choosing reliable providers. Alcohol and drug use, and increased in tourism during Spring Break often increases the number of people injured on the water in South Florida. If you are injured in water sport accident you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a liable party.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to negligence during a spring break activity, Mase Seitz Briggs is here to help. Our lawyers specialize in maritime law and are ready to advocate for you. Contact us today for a consultation—and take the first step toward justice and recovery.