safety
‘Where’s your parents?’: Florida police spot 8-year-old boy riding Jet Ski alone
By Thaddeus Randazzo, Emily Van de Riet at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) — Police in Florida are reminding residents and visitors about water safety after officers spotted an 8-year-old boy riding a personal watercraft alone.Sarasota police posted body camera video of an officer with the Marine Patrol Unit stopping the boy in the water ...
Key takeaway (WWSB/Gray News) — Police in Florida are reminding residents and visitors about water safety after officers spotted an 8-year-old boy riding a personal watercraft alone.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , where waterways like the Cumberland River are popular for recreation, the story of an 8-year-old boy riding a Jet Ski alone in Florida serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in water safety. While this incident occurred out of state, it's a timely warning for local parents and watercraft operators to familiarize themselves with Tennessee's boating laws, which dictate that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult to operate certain vessels. Nashville's own Marine Patrol Unit and water safety advocates often emphasize the importance of proper supervision and adherence to age restrictions to prevent accidents and ensure a safe experience for all users of the city's waterways. As Nashville residents prepare for summer activities on the water, they would do well to heed the lesson from Sarasota and take necessary precautions to protect young riders.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) — Police in Florida are reminding residents and visitors about water safety after officers spotted an 8-year-old boy riding a personal watercraft alone.Sarasota police posted body camera video of an officer with the Marine Patrol Unit stopping the boy in the water ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Thaddeus Randazzo, Emily Van de Riet at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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