Who’s Liable in a Jet Ski Fatality? Legal Responsibilities on Inland Waters

By Yosi Yahoudai Founder and Managing Partner

July 18, 2025

Personal Injury

On June 29, 2025, a 17-year-old from Moreno Valley tragically passed away while riding a personal watercraft at Lake Havasu’s Body Beach. Bystanders found him floating and performed CPR, but he later died at the hospital. Early investigation indicates that no other vessels were involved. 

This heartbreaking accident raises critical legal questions about your rights, responsibilities, and possible legal pathways forward. 

What Legal Duties Do Watercraft Operators and Guardians Have?

Operating or supervising a jet ski on inland waters carries serious responsibilities, especially around safety and supervision: 

• Duty of care: Watercraft operators must follow California boating laws, including safe speed, maintaining control, and staying alert. 

• Life jacket regulations: California law requires all boaters, including personal watercraft, to wear a properly fitted life jacket. 

• Parental or guardian supervision: Minors – especially those under 18 – need supervision based on age, skill, and the vessel’s characteristics. 

• Training and registration: Jet ski users must be registered, and minors typically need safety certification. 

“Riding a jet ski is fun, let’s be honest. But it also comes with a legal and even moral responsibility,” says Parham Nikfarjam, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law. “When a teen is riding alone, far from immediate help, every basic safety rule must be followed. Little warnings ignored here and there can lead to tragedy.” 

How Does Liability Change When the Victim Is a Minor?

The law treats minors differently, especially in wrongful-death claims: 

• Strict liability may apply if safety requirements – like life jackets or supervision – are ignored. 

• Parents or guardians may share liability if they allowed unsafe behavior or unsupervised use. 

• Punitive damages might be available if the operator acted recklessly or violated boating regulations. 

“When a child dies in a boating accident, you need to know whether someone breached a legal duty of care,” Nikfarjam notes. “Even a personal watercraft accident without another boat involved can trigger liability if legal safety requirements were ignored.” 

What Compensation Can Families Seek After a Watercraft Death?

Families can pursue damages through a wrongful-death claim, which may include: 

• Funeral and burial costs 

• Loss of companionship and future financial support 

• Emotional distress 

• Punitive damages, if negligence or recklessness is proven 

If negligence was involved, like ignoring life jacket rules, unsafe operation, or lack of supervision, then you may be entitled to further compensation. 

What Should You Do If a Family Member Is Killed in a Watercraft Accident?

Here are critical steps to protect your rights: 

1. Preserve evidence –  testimony, photos, boating logs, and weather records matter. 
2. Obtain a boating accident report from authorities like the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
3. Consult a maritime or personal injury attorney with experience in watercraft incidents – especially involving minors. 
4. Act quickly –  there are strict legal deadlines, and evidence can disappear from the scene. 

Jet skis can be thrilling, but they come with enhanced legal responsibilities, especially for teens and minors. If your child was injured or killed while operating a personal watercraft, you deserve answers, accountability, and support. 

We know how overwhelming this process can be when you’re grieving or recovering from serious injuries. Gathering evidence, filing paperwork, scheduling doctor appointments… it’s a lot. That’s why our Client Concierge Team at J&Y Law handles the heavy lifting for you. 

From coordinating medical and psychiatric care to helping preserve critical evidence and walking you through every legal step, we make sure you’re never alone in this process. Our job isn’t just to win your case. We’ll help you get your life back on track while you await the outcome.  

Call J&Y Law at (877) 735-7035 for a free, confidential case review. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice during this difficult time.