Every year, over five million people flock to the Florida Keys to enjoy boating and water activities. However, when accidents occur, the response time and available resources for rescue can significantly vary based on geographical factors.

Recent Incident Highlights Rescue Challenges

A recent boating mishap in Big Pine Key brought to light the vulnerabilities in the area’s rescue operations. Following a collision with a bridge, emergency responders faced considerable obstacles in accessing the stranded passengers, who included individuals with severe injuries.

“We need a rescue boat,” a victim urgently called out as rescuers attempted to reach those on board.

Due to the nature of the incident, rescuers could only assist one individual at a time, with time quickly running out to rescue those trapped in the sinking vessel.

“We only got five to 10 minutes before this thing goes down,” a rescuer warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Eventually, a towboat arrived and facilitated the evacuation just moments before the vessel was lost entirely. This incident underscored a glaring need for dedicated fire and rescue boats in the region.

The Need for Improved Resources

According to R.L. Colina, the Deputy Fire Chief of Monroe County, the demand for specialized rescue boats is urgent, particularly given that Monroe County leads Florida in boating accidents. “We are working towards acquiring essential rescue equipment, but the need is immediate,” he stated.

While Miami-Dade County boasts six fire rescue boats over a coastline of 55 miles, and Broward County has four rescue boats for just 23 miles, Monroe County’s capabilities are severely lacking—only two fire rescue boats are operational: one in Key West and another in a private community in Ocean Reef.

A Voice for Change

June Smith, who tragically lost her 13-year-old daughter Harlie in a boating accident in 2017, has become an advocate for improved safety measures in the Keys. Her daughter’s passing was exacerbated by the delayed response from emergency services, a reality she aims to change for future boaters.

“I need a helicopter, we need medic help, we need it now,” Smith remembered pleading during the incident.

In recognition of the ongoing issues, Florida lawmakers have approved $900,000 for the acquisition of three new rescue boats to be stationed in Key Largo, Marathon, and Cudjoe Key. While this allocation represents a positive step forward, Smith emphasizes that the effort must continue:

“Every time I hear of an accident, I’m reminded of the fight for better support on the water,” she stated.

In honor of her daughter, Smith founded a nonprofit organization called Heart Like Harlie, which focuses on fundraising for life-saving resources necessary to prevent further tragedies in the region.