On Sept. 4, 2022, a senseless tragedy unfolded near Boca Chita Key. A 29-foot vessel carrying 14 passengers crashed into a channel marker. The boat capsized, and all passengers were thrown into the water. This accident claimed the life of Luciana "Lucy" Cristina Fernandez, a vibrant young girl who was just 17 years old, and left most of the other passengers injured.

In response to this devastating event, Lucy's parents, Meli and Andy Fernandez, established the Lucy Fernandez Foundation, to promote boater and watercraft safety, in an effort to make their daughter's favorite pastime safer for everyone.

Currently, Florida law requires only those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by FWC. We, however, believe that this requirement should be extended to ALL boat operators regardless of age.

According to U.S Coast Guard statistics from recent years (source: USCG Recreational Boating Statistics), over half of all fatal boating accidents involve operators aged over 30 - individuals who are not currently required by Florida law to undergo any form of boating safety education.

By expanding these requirements, every person operating a boat will be equipped with essential knowledge about safe navigation practices that could potentially save lives in future incidents similar to what happened with Lucy.

We urge you today to honor Lucy’s memory by making our waters safer for everyone who loves them as much as she did. Please sign this petition demanding that ALL boat operators in Florida be required by law to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by FWC.

#SignforLu