Divers broke records this year in an annual competition to remove invasive lionfish from Florida waters, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission press release.
The 2024 Lionfish Season concluded with a record-breaking 31,773 species being pulled from the water. Just under 300 divers went on over 700 trips throughout the state to retrieve the animals that are dangerous to native fish and coral reefs.
One lionfish can reduce a native reef fish population by over 70%. They also present a risk to humans with their venomous spines which can cause painful stings. In 2022, over 25,000 lionfish were removed from Florida waters in FWC’s annual, summer-long challenge, which began in 2016.
Despite this incredible feat behind them, the water can be dangerous for novice and experienced divers alike. Here are several safety tips and previous cases handled by Leesfield & Partners attorneys that you should know before you set out on Florida waters.
Previous Cases
In the years spent litigating cases in and throughout Florida with three offices in Orlando, Miami and Key West, Leesfield & Partners attorneys have considerable experience representing clients injured on the water. From a catastrophic boating incident that cost a minor his leg to a jet ski crash that caused horrific injuries for a Californian tourist, Leesfield & Partners aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for their clients.
For 2023 in Monroe County – where Leesfield & Partners has had a foothold since at least the 80s, and where the firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, Ira Leesfield, has handled dozens of notable cases – there have been approximately 87 accidents on Florida waters. According to numbers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for that year, these 87 accidents on the water have resulted in over 60 injuries and about seven deaths.
In a recent case involving a Florida diver who was killed by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer negligently operating an agency boat near where the man was swimming, Leesfield & Partners secured the maximum capped settlement amount for the man’s family.
Another diver, a minor, was hit by another child at full speed who did not stop. That child was known by neighbors to regularly drive the boat recklessly. Not only did that child not stop but he also attempted to hide evidence and lie to police when questioned later on.
Leesfield & Partners attorneys secured $1.7 million for the family of the minor who was killed in that case.
Another diver, a man visiting the area from Texas, drowned after the crew with the boat tour he was with directed him to an area where he could snorkel. The man was not given a flotation device when he went out to the area they suggested within Dry Tortugas National Park. Within minutes, the man was found unresponsive in the water.
A confidential settlement was obtained by attorneys with the firm for the man’s wife.
Safety Tips
- Always adhere to divers-down flag distance rules.
- Always prominently display your divers-down flag when you are in the water.
- Always make sure children wear life jackets while out on the water.
- Always check the weather and ocean conditions before going out for a snorkeling and or boating day.
- Tell someone where you will be and when you are expected to return. This way, if you do not return by the expected time, there will be someone to immediately ring the alarm bells and give rescuers a precise location to go off of when beginning their search. This applies to snorkeling and boating.
- Snorkelers should never go out alone. Always be sure to have a buddy with you in addition to the person on land who you have told your location to.
- When snorkeling, it is imperative to know your physical limits. Do not push your body past these limits as it can be easy to be overwhelmed when out on the water. Those who are not strong swimmers should wear a life jacket.
- Refrain from touching and or disturbing marine life. Always keep a safe distance and do not panic.
- Do not hold your breath. Holding your breath for too long while snorkeling can cause you to feel dizzy or light-headed. Breathe normally.
- Never drink alcohol before snorkeling as it impairs judgement and can make you feel dizzy, nauseous and or make it more difficult to swim.
- Never allow children to drive boats.
If you or a loved one was injured on Florida waters and you believe you may have a claim, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney today for a free consultation at 800-836-6400 and 305-854-4900.