Video: Child caught riding a jet ski in a lagoon in Ceará
A video shows a child riding a jet ski in a lagoon in Ceará, raising concerns about the lack of enforcement of boating regulations in the area.
A video circulating online, sent to G1 by a swimmer who witnessed the incident, captures a child operating a jet ski in a lagoon in Ceará. The observer, a resident of Beberibe, expressed frustration over the frequent disregard for watercraft regulations in the area, highlighting the dangers posed to bathers who often share the space with motorized vehicles. This scene is not unique; she claims that every weekend is chaotic, and there is minimal oversight from authorities, creating a risky environment for everyone present.
The G1 news outlet attempted to reach out to the Brazilian Navy, which oversees regulation through the Port Authority, but received no response before the article's publication. The public outcry over this event is exacerbated by a tragic incident last January when a man drowned following a jet ski accident in the same lagoon, underscoring the potential dangers of unregulated use of these vehicles. The community around the lagoon is calling for greater safety measures and enforcement of existing regulations to prevent further incidents.
Boating regulations in Brazil stipulate that operators of jet skis must be at least 18 years old, literate, and possess the necessary certification. The lack of adherence to these rules in the lagoon is causing concern among local residents, who fear for their safety amidst the chaos observed during the weekends. With incidents like the previous drowning still fresh in their minds, they are hoping for meaningful changes to improve safety in their recreational areas.