In the past two years, boating accidents have claimed the lives of two high school students. The waters can be dangerous and unpredictable, making boater safety essential.

On campus, juniors Jacob Diaz and Camila Figueroa founded the Boaters Safety Club to address this critical issue. The club teaches students about boating risks and provides essential safety training to prevent future tragedies. The Boaters Safety Club also partners with schools such as Carolton, Lourdes, and Columbus.

“Our club collaborates with the Lucy Fernandez Foundation, which the Fernandez family established after their daughter passed in a boating accident,” Diaz said. “The main purpose of the club is to promote better safety throughout our community and prevent such tragic accidents.”

Diaz’s comments highlight a pressing issue. Over the past five years, Florida has reported the highest number of boating fatalities in the country. According to the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, last year Florida experienced 56 fatalities and over 615 boating accidents, accounting for 10% of all vessel incidents nationwide. This figure is nearly double the percentage of the next highest state, California.

The Boaters Safety Club aims to improve safety in Florida’s waters. They have set goals to prevent future tragedies and address the need for enhanced security on the water.

“We want to involve more people in learning about boater safety, whether they are currently on the water or have never been on a boat before. Our goal is to build a close-knit community where everyone can discuss these issues. If we keep this club active and spread awareness, we can save lives and prevent heartache for families and others in our community,” Diaz said.

Students can join the club during Club Rush. No prior boating experience is required.

“New members can contribute by participating in team meetings and being as involved as possible,” Figueroa said.