safety
‘Where’s your parents?’: Florida police spot 8-year-old boy riding Jet Ski alone
By Thaddeus Randazzo, Emily Van de Riet at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
The incident in Florida serves as a warning for parents in Midland to be mindful of water safety laws and regulations, especially when it comes to personal watercraft. While Midland is a landlocked city, many residents often visit nearby lakes and waterways, where similar rules apply. The fact that the 8-year-old boy's father thought his son was proficient enough to operate a Jet Ski, despite being under the legal age, highlights the need for education and awareness about water safety laws. In Texas, the age requirement to operate a personal watercraft is 13, but only if the operator completes a boater education course. As the summer months approach, Midland parents should take note of these regulations to ensure their children's safety while enjoying water activities. The consequences of neglecting these laws, as seen in the Florida case, can be severe, and it's crucial for parents to prioritize their children's safety and well-being.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Thaddeus Randazzo, Emily Van de Riet at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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