About
Carter's Story
Making the Best Out of a Tragedy
Carter Viss, a Denver native, has been passionate about aquatic life since childhood, often exploring local waters and maintaining saltwater aquariums. His surname, “Viss,” translates to “fish” in Dutch, reflecting his deep connection to marine life. This enthusiasm led him to pursue a Marine Biology degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he fell in love with the area’s nearshore reefs.
On Thanksgiving Day 2019, while snorkeling at Breaker’s Reef, Carter was struck by a large boat, resulting in the loss of his right arm, severe lacerations to both legs, and a broken left wrist.
After a full recovery, he dedicated himself to supporting others affected by similar incidents and advocating for improved boating and diving safety standards. Driven by his lifelong passion for nature, Carter aims to make oceans safer for both humans and marine life.
Carter now shares his story across various platforms, emphasizing resilience and making the best out of life’s challenges. For a detailed account of his journey, visit his Caring Bridge site, created by his parents to update friends and family on his progress.
Supporting Affected Individuals and Their Families
Supporting Boating Accident Victims
and Promoting Safer Waters
Our mission is dedicated to helping individuals affected by boating accidents while promoting safe boating and diving practices to prevent future tragedies. Inspired by the overwhelming support Carter received after his accident, the foundation strives to ensure that no one faces such challenges alone. Recognizing the profound impact of such traumatic events, the foundation’s mission is to provide comprehensive assistance.
Guidance on Hospital Care Logistics
Assisting with both financial and
functional aspects of medical
treatment.
Emotional Support
Offering comfort and encouragement to help individuals adapt and return to activities they cherish.
Family Assistance
Providing housing, meals, and financial aid to families focused on their loved one’s recovery.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support can help save lives and prevent future tragedies. Whether through a donation, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can be part of the mission to promote safer boating and diving practices.
Committed to Inspiring Change
Meet Our Board of Directors
Carter Viss
Andy Earl
Stephen Schwartz
Christine Raininger
EXPLORE OUR FEED
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Hurricane season officially started on June 1, and preparation starts long before a storm appears on the radar.⠀
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Whether you`re a boater, diver, angler, or simply enjoy spending time on Florida`s waterways, now is the time to review your safety plans, inspect your equipment, and stay informed about weather conditions before heading out on the water.⠀
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Before every trip:⠀
✓ Check the marine forecast⠀
✓ Make sure safety gear is onboard and accessible⠀
✓ Wear a life jacket⠀
✓ Share your float plan with someone you trust⠀
✓ Ensure communication devices are charged and working⠀
✓ Never take chances when storms are nearby⠀
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Florida`s weather can change quickly. The best way to stay safe is to be prepared before an emergency happens.⠀
At the Carter Viss Foundation, our mission is to promote boating safety, water safety awareness, and help prevent tragedies on the water through education.⠀
Preparation saves lives. Share this post with your boating crew and help spread awareness as hurricane season begins.⠀
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5 ⠀
#HurricaneSeason #AtlanticHurricaneSeason #FloridaBoating #BoatingSafety ⠀
Jun 2
Hit and runs don`t just happen on roads.⠀
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A recent boating collision on Biscayne Bay serves as a heartbreaking reminder that every decision we make on the water has consequences. When a boating accident occurs, stopping, rendering aid, and reporting the incident are not only legal responsibilities, they are human responsibilities.⠀
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Far too many boating tragedies happen because of excessive speed, distraction, impaired operation, or failure to maintain a proper lookout. That`s why boating education and safety awareness matter.⠀
Every boater shares responsibility for protecting lives on the water. Slow down. Stay alert. Know the rules. Respect other boaters, divers, swimmers, and families enjoying Florida`s waterways.⠀
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Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.⠀
Help us spread boating safety awareness by sharing this post. ⠀
Preparation saves lives. Share this post with your boating crew and help spread awareness as hurricane season begins.⠀
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5 ⠀
Information taken from: NBC Miami Channel 6⠀
#BoatingSafety #FloridaBoating #BiscayneBay #SafeBoatin
Jun 1
“Never dive alone” is not just a rule. It can be the difference between life and death.
When Carter Viss was struck by a boat while diving, his dive buddy Andy was the reason he survived. In an emergency underwater, your buddy is your backup, your second set of eyes, and sometimes your only chance of making it back safely.
Accidents can happen anywhere, even just a few hundred feet from the beach.
Diving safety starts before you enter the water:
✔️Always dive with a buddy
✔️Stay visible with a diver-down flag
Tag your dive buddy below and remind them why this rule matters 👇
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5
#DivingSafety #NeverDiveAlone #ScubaDiving
May 28
Episode 18 of The Heather Petero Show is now live featuring Carter Viss and the powerful story behind Found in the Wake.
In this emotional and inspiring conversation, Carter shares the real-life journey behind his book, including tragedy, healing, faith, forgiveness, music, and resilience. This episode is a reminder that even through life’s hardest moments, hope and purpose can still rise from the pain.
If you are passionate about inspiring stories, overcoming adversity, personal growth, faith, boating safety awareness, or the healing power of community and music, this episode is a must-listen.
Thank you to Heather Petero for creating a space where real conversations and meaningful stories can impact lives.
🎧 Episode 18 is available now on Spotify.
Listen here:
https://bit.ly/3Pniq0x
#CarterViss #FoundInTheWake #HeatherPeteroShow #PodcastEpisode
May 27
This tragedy is heartbreaking and unfortunately preventable.
Every year, people are seriously injured or killed because boaters are distracted, speeding, not keeping a proper lookout, or ignoring diver-down flag laws. Behind every headline is a real person, a real family, and lives changed forever.
If you operate a boat in Florida:
✔️Slow down near divers and swimmers
✔️Always maintain a proper lookout
✔️Respect diver-down flags
✔️Stay alert at all times on the water
A few seconds of attention can save someone’s life.
This is why boating safety education matters. Awareness matters. Responsible boating matters.
Please keep this victim’s family and loved ones in your thoughts.
Source: Local 10 News / Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5
#BoatingSafety #FloridaBoating #DiverDown #DivingSafety
May 26
Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.⠀
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As many families head out to the water this Memorial Day weekend, the Carter Viss Foundation encourages everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. A great day on the boat starts with preparation, awareness, and making smart decisions on the water.⠀
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*Before you leave the dock:⠀
*Wear your life jacket⠀
*Check your safety equipment⠀
*Stay alert to your surroundings⠀
*Watch the weather conditions⠀
*Never boat under the influence⠀
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A safe boating day means everyone makes it home safely.⠀
Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day filled with gratitude, family, and safe memories on the water.⠀
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5 ⠀
#MemorialDay #MemorialDayWeekend #BoatingSafety #SafeBoating
May 25
On May 23, 2026 we celebrate the boating lifestyle, the memories made on the water, and most importantly, the responsibility that comes with it.
At the Carter Viss Foundation, our mission is to promote boating safety, education, and awareness to help save lives on the water.
Before you head out, remember these important boating safety tips:
✔️Wear your life jacket
✔️Check weather and safety equipment before leaving
✔️Stay alert and avoid distractions
✔️Never boat under the influence
✔️Learn local waterways and no-wake zones
✔️Respect the water and those around you
Every safe decision matters. Let’s honor those we’ve lost by making safety a priority every time we leave the dock.
🗓️ World Boating Day - May 23, 2026
Learn more about our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5
#WorldBoatingDay #BoatingSafety #SafeBoating #BoatLife
May 21
A rip current can happen fast and knowing what to do could save your life.
If you ever get caught in a rip current:
✔️Stay calm
✔️Don’t swim directly against the current
✔️Float and go with the flow of water
✔️Wave for help if you can’t make it back
Many people panic and exhaust themselves trying to fight the current head-on. The key is staying calm and getting out of the current first.
At the Carter Viss Foundation, we believe education and awareness save lives both on and around the water.
Please share this with someone who loves the beach. You never know who may need it.
Support our mission: www.cartervissfoundation.org https://bit.ly/4958Hn5
#RipCurrent #BeachSafety #WaterSafety #OceanSafety #RipCurrentSafety
May 20
