The family of Peniel “P.J.” Janvier is nearing a significant milestone in their pursuit of justice following his tragic drowning in a Miami Beach public pool in 2022. A bill, SB 14, was unanimously passed in the Florida Senate, paving the way for Miami Beach to compensate Janvier’s estate with $1.7 million for the injuries and damages resulting from the city’s negligence. This settlement, however, still requires approval from the House. The bill, which was recently moved to the second reading calendar, outlines limitations on the compensation and attorney fees.
In August 2022, a distressing incident occurred when Janvier was pushed into the community pool at the Scott Rakow Youth Center in Miami Beach. The Senate bill notes that city lifeguards and personnel failed to observe and respond to Janvier being pushed, leading to his drowning. Reports indicate that Janvier struggled in the water for approximately 12 minutes while lifeguards and staff, allegedly distracted by their phones, neglected to assist him.
The Janvier family, represented by the Estate of Peniel Janvier, filed a lawsuit in 2023, asserting that the negligence of Miami Beach’s lifeguards and personnel was the direct cause of his untimely death. At the time of the incident, Janvier was serving as a summer camp coach, supervising children during an end-of-summer pool event.
During a 2022 news conference, the family’s attorney highlighted the severe brain damage Janvier suffered, suggesting it indicated he was underwater for over 15 minutes. Rumors surfaced that a lifeguard on duty was engrossed in their phone during the critical moments.
State Senator Shevrin Jones disclosed that the city and state settled the claim for $2 million under Florida’s sovereign immunity law. Miami Beach has already paid the estate the maximum $300,000 allowed, with the pending $1.7 million awaiting legislative endorsement.
The Miami Herald previously reported that disciplinary actions were taken against two Miami Beach employees, who were suspended, and another employee was terminated. However, no criminal charges are anticipated.
Community Impact
This case underscores the critical need for vigilant safety measures and protocol adherence in public recreational spaces. For Miami Beach residents and visitors, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of attentive supervision in maintaining public safety, especially in environments involving water activities.
The financial settlement, once finalized, will likely prompt further scrutiny and potential policy changes within Miami Beach’s recreational facilities to ensure such a tragedy does not recur. This could lead to enhanced training, stricter oversight, and possibly more substantial investments in safety infrastructure across the city’s public amenities.