Florida waterfront establishments must do a better job of protecting their customers and guests from water hazards. As a destination for sunshine and beaches, Florida attracts tourists from in-state and around the country and world who travel far and wide to spend time in our waters. In fact, there are numerous establishments, such as bars, restaurants, hotels and timeshares, that heavily advertise their “water attraction” to entice customers. Yet many of these businesses do not adequately protect their visitors who may be unfamiliar with the dangers in our waters that us natives are aware of.
There is no shortage of dangers within our waters in Florida. This list includes but is not limited to rip currents, differing water depths, deceptively clear waters, murky waters, tidal zones and alligators in lakes and lagoons. These hazards present real threats to individuals who are either unaware or have never been exposed to them, which can result in death and catastrophic injury.
