Two weeks after a tragic jet ski crash claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl in Fort Lauderdale, new details have emerged about the business that rented the personal watercraft. Records show that the company’s owner, who leased the jet ski to the victims’ family, has a history of boating-related charges and violations. Watersport and boating accidents are an all-too common event in South Florida waterways.
The Tragic Crash
On August 12, two teenage sisters were riding a personal watercraft on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale as part of a guided tour. Investigators say they jumped the wake of a passing boat and lost control, slamming into a concrete dock at high speed.
A 911 caller reported the horrific collision: “They hit really, really hard. I mean, they were going fast.”
Thirteen-year-old Rachel was killed in the crash, while her sister was injured. Tyson Matthews of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) called the incident a devastating loss: “This is a heartbreaking loss for everyone involved in this community.”
The Rental Company’s Legal Troubles
The watercraft had been rented from Prime Watersports LLC, a company that according to records, has faced more than a dozen boating-related charges over the last five years.
These violations include:
- Renting jet skis without providing safety instructions
- Operating without required safety equipment
- Running rentals without an occupational license
- Allowing jet ski operation at night in violation of safety rules
- Vessel registration issues
The owner has also been arrested multiple times since 2022 and had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. In a recent case, a judge sentenced him to six months probation and warned that any further violations tied to his rental business could result in jail time.
Though none of these prior cases are directly connected to the sisters’ fatal crash, they raise questions about oversight and safety within South Florida’s booming personal watercraft rental industry.
The owner, through his attorney, declined an on-camera interview but issued a statement: “This was a tragic accident. He is heartbroken by this tragedy and looks forward to continuing to cooperate with law enforcement to aid their accident investigation.”
Safety Measures to Prevent Similar Incidents
Florida leads the nation in boating accidents, many of which involve personal watercraft. Experts say that strict adherence to safety practices can reduce the risk of tragedies like this. Key measures include:
- Mandatory Safety Instruction: Renters should always receive hands-on training and a safety briefing before operating a jet ski. Operators must understand how to steer, throttle, and safely navigate wakes.
- Age and Licensing Requirements: Florida law requires anyone born after 1988 to carry a Boating Safety Education ID card. Rental companies must enforce age restrictions and verify licenses.
- Life Jackets and Safety Gear: Every rider should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and vessels must carry proper signaling devices.
- No-Wake Zone Awareness: Operators must obey posted speed restrictions and understand the dangers of jumping wakes.
- Supervised Rentals: Companies should provide guided supervision for minors or inexperienced riders, especially in congested waterways.
- Regular Equipment Maintenance: Watercraft should be inspected before each rental to ensure brakes, throttles, and steering systems are working properly.
- Operator Sobriety: Just like driving a car, boating under the influence is dangerous and illegal.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities confirmed that just 30 minutes before the crash, the Fort Lauderdale police marine unit stopped the teenage girls for a minor violation and discussed water safety with them. No citations were issued.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to investigate the accident. Meanwhile, Granados remains under probation, with the court warning that any further violations tied to his business could result in jail time.
This tragedy underscores the critical need for stronger regulation of personal watercraft rentals and greater attention to safety by both operators and rental companies.
At The Perazzo Law Firm, our Miami Boating Accident Lawyers fight for victims and their families. We are available 24/7 with free consultations and no fees unless we win.
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