Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 14, 2025) – A tragic jet ski accident during a family vacation in South Florida has claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl and left her older sister hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon, August 12, just after 3:30 p.m., near a dock in Fort Lauderdale.
According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the two teens—Rachel Aliza Nisanov, 13, and her 16-year-old sister Aviva Bracha Nisanov—were riding a jet ski together when they struck a dock at high speed. Family members say the sisters were returning from the water when they lost control of the watercraft and collided with the structure.
Both girls were pulled from the water by their father, who was nearby on another jet ski despite not knowing how to swim. He jumped into the water and struggled to rescue his daughters, sustaining injuries in the process.
The girls were rushed to Broward Health Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, Rachel was pronounced dead at the hospital. Aviva, who was operating the jet ski at the time of the crash, remains in the hospital receiving treatment.
The family, who had traveled from New York to celebrate Rachel’s recent graduation, is now mourning the heartbreaking loss. The incident occurred during what was meant to be a joyful family vacation.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has launched an investigation into the crash. A spokesperson confirmed that the jet skis had been rented from Prime Watersports, a local company whose owner stated that the girls had completed an online safety course but had no prior experience operating personal watercraft.
Our hearts go out to the Nisanov family during this unimaginable time.
Jet Ski Accidents and Boating Safety in Florida
Florida leads the nation in boating-related accidents, with personal watercraft like jet skis involved in a significant number of serious and fatal incidents each year. Tuesday’s tragic crash in Fort Lauderdale underscores the dangers of inexperienced operation—even when safety protocols such as life jackets and safety briefings are followed.
Collisions with docks, seawalls, and other fixed objects are among the most common causes of jet ski injuries, especially among first-time users. Factors such as speed, inexperience, and poor visibility can combine to create dangerous conditions in a matter of seconds. In this case, the combination of limited operating knowledge and close proximity to a dock proved devastating.
State law requires that renters of personal watercraft complete a boating safety education course if they are born on or after January 1, 1988. However, completion of an online course alone may not be sufficient to prepare young or first-time users for the realities of high-speed operation in crowded or confined waterways.
Families renting jet skis should be aware of the potential risks and ensure that operators are adequately supervised, especially when children or teens are involved. Rental agencies also bear responsibility for making sure their customers are fully briefed on local hazards, operational controls, and safe operating zones.
When boating accidents result in injury or death, investigations typically involve multiple agencies and can take weeks or months to complete. These reports help determine whether negligence, mechanical failure, or inadequate instruction played a role—and whether accountability can be pursued.
For families impacted by watercraft accidents, access to grief counseling, legal support, and investigative resources is critical during the aftermath.
Have you lost a loved one in a boating accident? At Local Accident Reports, we help grieving families connect with support resources, legal help, and investigative updates during the most difficult moments. Let us help you find the answers and guidance you deserve—contact us today.
