Reckless Boating Accident in Okaloosa County Leaves Snorkeler Hospitalized

Diver flag for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byDebby HudsononUnsplash

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported today that officers responded to a boating accident involving a rented personal watercraft (PWC) that struck a snorkeler in the waters of Okaloosa County. The incident occurred while the victim was snorkeling near a dive flag.

According to the FWC’s most recent weekly law enforcement report, the PWC operator was found to be operating recklessly, which led to the collision. The operator admitted to seeing the dive flag on a nearby vessel but failed to notice one in the water by the swimmer. The operator attempted to turn when he spotted the snorkeler but was too late, causing the accident.

Witnesses reported that the PWC was moving at a high rate of speed. The injured snorkeler was immediately transported to the hospital for treatment. The operator of the PWC was charged with reckless operation of a vessel and cited for not reducing speed within 300 feet of a diver down flag.

The FWC continues to stress the importance of water safety and adhering to speed regulations to prevent such accidents.