Carter Viss Foundation

Carter Viss Foundation Our mission is to support individuals with limb trauma resulting from boating incidents and promote safe boating and diving practices.

Carter was just another Florida kid who lived for the weekends on the water. He didn't know that his story would become ...
04/09/2026

Carter was just another Florida kid who lived for the weekends on the water.
He didn't know that his story would become one of survival and resilience. He didn't know that his voice would eventually protect divers and boaters across the state.

Do you have a Florida kid who loves the water? Double tap to support the mission of keeping them safe.
Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org

04/08/2026

25 deaths in one week. Lee County is currently the most dangerous place in Florida to be a manatee.
The numbers coming out of Southwest Florida right now are staggering. In a single week this February, 25 manatees were lost in Lee County alone, part of an 85+ mortality spike statewide in early 2026.
While cold stress from recent temperature drops and power plant fluctuations played a major role, there is a secondary, hidden danger: Habitat Displacement.
Because of massive seagrass loss in traditional grazing areas, manatees are being forced out of safe shallows and into high-traffic boating channels in search of food. They are literally swimming into the "line of fire" just to survive.

At the Carter Viss Foundation, we believe that "Idle Speed" isn't just a suggestion, it’s a life saving measure. When you see a manatee protection zone, remember: they aren't there to slow you down; they are there so a mother and calf can make it to the next patch of grass.
Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

While many are terrified of a shark encounter, the reality is that the biggest threat on the water is often at the other...
04/07/2026

While many are terrified of a shark encounter, the reality is that the biggest threat on the water is often at the other end of the boat or right at the operator’s console.

Sharks are a vital part of our ecosystem, but the overwhelming majority of Florida boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities are caused by factors that are 100% preventable. At the Carter Viss Foundation, we aren't here to scare you; we are here to prepare you. It’s time to refocus our vigilance on the silent, hidden killers that change lives in an instant:

✔️Propeller Strikes: These are not injuries; they are tragedies. A spinning propeller will cause catastrophic harm to an unsuspecting diver or swimmer. Always assume there is life in the water.
✔️Not Wearing Life Jackets: Complacency kills. The single most predictive factor of whether you survive a fatal accident is whether you are wearing a PFD. Having them "onboard" is not enough.
✔️Distracted/Impaired Operation: Speed and smartphones are a deadly mix, add alcohol, and your reaction time disappears.
✔️Speed in Crowds: At high speed, that legal 300 foot 'football field' buffer for a diver is covered in 4.5 seconds. If you can’t stop, you’re going too fast.
We can change these statistics. By increasing our awareness, committing to the rules, and advocating for innovation, we can make our waterways safer for everyone.

Share this post if you believe in prioritizing safety over speed. Double tap to support the mission!

04/06/2026

"Full throttle" at dawn is a gamble you can't afford to lose.
The most dangerous time on the water isn't the middle of the night, it’s the "grey light" of dawn.
Why? Because your eyes are playing tricks on you. In that half-light before the sun fully breaks the horizon, a small vessel’s navigation lights completely wash out against the dark shoreline or the morning mist.

We saw the devastating reality of this earlier this year with the Crescent Lake crash. Two boats, both with experienced operators, collided at 6:40 AM. When visibility is reduced, speed is your enemy.

Let’s get to the reef safely. The fish will still be there 10 minutes later.
Do you have a "Safe Speed" rule for dawn and dusk? Drop a in the comments if you’re committed to slowing down this season.
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

Shop for a Cause. Wear the Mission.Every purchase from the Carter Viss Foundation shop does more than just add to your c...
04/02/2026

Shop for a Cause. Wear the Mission.
Every purchase from the Carter Viss Foundation shop does more than just add to your collection, it directly funds our work to create safer Florida waterways and protect our incredible marine life.

Our mission is dedicated to helping individuals affected by boating accidents while promoting safe boating and diving practices to prevent future tragedies.

Here’s how you can support the mission today:
✔️Graphic T-Shirts: High-quality tees featuring iconic Florida species like the Hammerhead Shark and the vibrant Queen Angelfish. Perfect for your next boat day or casual outing.

✔️Artistic Stickers: Over 40 unique designs! From Manatees and Sea Turtles to the elusive Fangtooth, these are perfect for your cooler, tackle box, or laptop.

✔️Greeting Cards: Beautifully illustrated cards featuring Largemouth Bass and other marine favorites, perfect for the ocean lover in your life.

✔️"Found in the Wake": Grab your copy of the book that shares the powerful story behind our foundation and the journey to making our waters safer for everyone.

When you wear our gear, you aren't just a supporter, you’re an advocate for boating safety and conservation.
Ready to make a difference? https://cartervissfoundation.org/shop/ https://bit.ly/41zU85H

04/01/2026

The MANTA Act just changed Florida fishing forever.
Florida is officially stepping up for our giants. Starting July 1, 2026, the MANTA Act (SB 988) goes into full effect, and it’s a game changer for marine conservation.

What’s changing?
This law explicitly bans the capture and export of manta rays for public display. This isn't just a random policy, it was triggered by viral social media footage of a ray capture in Panama City that sparked statewide outrage.
At the Carter Viss Foundation, we believe protecting our apex species is vital to a healthy ecosystem. This legislation ensures that manta rays stay exactly where they belong: in the wild.

Key Date: July 1, 2026.
What do you think about the MANTA Act?
Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

Navigating Florida's new boating regulations just got simpler.We know that a safe, informed season is the best kind of s...
03/31/2026

Navigating Florida's new boating regulations just got simpler.
We know that a safe, informed season is the best kind of season. The 2025 Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388) introduced the Florida Freedom Boater Decal Program, a significant step toward streamlining safety and protecting law abiding boaters like you.

Here is what you need to know about the decal:
Decal Location: Must be displayed within 6 inches of your vessel registration decal.
Validity: Valid for five (5) full years.
The Goal: To reduce interruptions while ensuring compliance. A safer waterway is better for everyone, drivers, divers, and marine life alike.
Important Note: The decal reduces, but does not eliminate, stops. For the Carter Viss Foundation, compliance is just the beginning. Let's work together to protect our waters and each other by elevating our safety and awareness.

Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

03/30/2026

Think 50 feet is a safe "buffer zone" for a diver? Think again. In Florida, that distance is not only dangerous, it’s illegal.

If you see a divers down flag in open water, you are legally required to maintain a 300 foot distance. To put that in perspective: That is the length of an entire football field. In narrower waters like rivers or inlets, that zone drops to 100 feet, but the rule remains: if you must approach, you MUST be at idle speed.

At the Carter Viss Foundation, we know firsthand that these "safety zones" are the difference between a great day on the water and a life altering tragedy.
The Golden Rule: If you see red and white, keep your distance and throttle down.
Tag a friend who just got their first boat. Let’s keep our divers safe this season!
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

Did you know Florida hosts some of the biggest boat shows on the planet? From Fort Lauderdale to Miami, these events are...
03/26/2026

Did you know Florida hosts some of the biggest boat shows on the planet?
From Fort Lauderdale to Miami, these events are major economic drivers and a key part of our state's unique maritime culture. They are also incredibly popular, drawing huge crowds.

But while we celebrate the excitement of new vessels and the latest gear, we must always prioritize safety. A responsible boater knows that preparation and vigilance prevent tragedies. At every show, we must advocate for a safer, more sustainable boating community for everyone.
We stand with every person who loves the water and works to keep it safe. Join us in making this Florida's safest, most responsible boating season yet.

Let's make sure our children can enjoy these waters too.
Learn more about The Carter Viss Foundation: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

03/25/2026

Stop assuming your boat is unsinkable. The January 10th rescue in Miami is a wake-up call for every boater. In a matter of moments, a standard 21-foot boat went from cruising to completely capsized. The three boaters on board were lucky to be rescued, but they committed a near-fatal error: their life jackets were stowed away in a locker.

Accidents on the water don’t happen in slow motion; they happen with terrifying speed. When a hull breaches or a rogue wave hits, you won't have the "extra 30 seconds" you think you have to dig through a compartment. If your life jacket isn't on your body or at the very least, immediately reachable, it might as well be back at the dock.
Stop treating safety gear as a legal requirement to be hidden away. Treat it as your only literal lifeline.
Are your life jackets accessible right now, or are they buried under fishing gear? Be honest in the comments.
Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

Did you know a boat traveling at 45 MPH can cover the entire legal safety distance for a diver in just 4.5 seconds?When ...
03/24/2026

Did you know a boat traveling at 45 MPH can cover the entire legal safety distance for a diver in just 4.5 seconds?
When you’re flying across the water at high speed, perception changes dramatically. That standard 20-inch dive flag doesn't just look smaller, it can completely disappear into the glare of the sun and the reflections on the water.
This means a boat operator might not even see a diver’s location until they are less than 5 seconds away.

In Florida, keeping a safe distance is the law, but at high speeds, that law is the minimum. A true safety zone requires much earlier recognition of a potential hazard in the water.
We are dedicated to preventing the devastating accidents that change lives. Protect your fellow boaters, protect our divers, and protect our marine life.
Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5

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Jupiter, FL
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