From Tragedy to Change: Carter Viss Advocates for Lucy's Law in Florida

Palm Beach County, Florida, USA - In recent years, Florida has witnessed a concerning uptick in boating accidents, pushing the conversation around water safety to the forefront of public discourse. Just last year, there were 659 boating incidents recorded, resulting in 59 fatalities. One might wonder, how many more lives must be sacrificed before effective change is realized?

Carter Viss, a marine biologist and advocate for boating safety, is a poignant example of the stakes involved. He suffered a life-altering accident on Thanksgiving Day 2019 when a speeding boat struck him while he was snorkeling off the coast of Palm Beach County. At the time of the incident, Viss was clearly visible due to the presence of a divers-down flag. Despite this, a 36-foot speedboat barreled in at approximately 45 miles per hour, resulting in the severing of his right arm, severe damage to both legs, and a broken left wrist. Viss had previously witnessed the dire consequences of boat strikes on marine life, particularly sea turtles, making his personal experience all the more heartbreaking. Viss fervently supports „Lucy’s Law,“ a proposed boater safety legislation named after Lucy Fernandez, a Miami teenager who was tragically killed in a boating accident.

Lucy’s Law: A Call for Change

“Lucy’s Law” aims to significantly bolster boating safety measures in Florida. Recently, the Florida House unanimously approved this vital legislation, which is designed to address the pressing need for better safety standards on the water. The law proposes several critical measures, including:

• Establishing standards for online boating safety education courses by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
• Aligning penalties for boating under the influence with those for driving under the influence.
• Creating harsher penalties for operators who leave the scene of an accident.

Moreover, House Bill 289, commonly referred to as Lucy’s Law, seeks to implement strict penalties for reckless operation and accidents, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The bill also introduces mandatory prison terms for manslaughter related to boating under the influence, reflecting a deeper commitment to safeguarding lives on the water.

The Legislative Landscape

The relevant statutes governing boating in Florida are rooted in the Florida Statutes Chapter 327, which outlines everything from accident reporting requirements to penalties for reckless or careless operation of vessels. For instance, Section 327.32 identifies vessels as dangerous instrumentalities, while Section 327.35 mandates a clear framework for handling boating under the influence cases, effectively enforcing a strict stance against impaired boating.

With the groundswell of public support for Lucy’s Law and similar initiatives, there is palpable hope that Governor Ron DeSantis might sign off on these transformative measures. Viss, who now operates the Carter Viss Foundation, a nonprofit stationed in Jupiter dedicated to promoting boating safety, is appealing directly to the governor to act swiftly. His plea comes from both a personal and professional place, aiming to avert further tragedies on Florida’s waters.

As the legislative process continues, it’s vital for Floridians to remain engaged. This is about more than just numbers; it’s about preserving lives and improving safety standards for those who flock to the state’s beautiful waters each year. Can we afford to ignore the evident need for reform any longer? As the summer months approach, it’s crucial to remind ourselves: moving swiftly on these issues is not just wise; it’s imperative.