Letícia Birkheuer, the 46-year-old Brazilian actress and model, has taken to social media to express her outrage over her ex-husband Alexandre Furmanovich's decision to allow their son, João Guilherme, to operate a jet ski unaccompanied. The incident gained traction online when Birkheuer shared video footage showing the 13-year-old performing risky maneuvers on the watercraft at high speeds during their vacation at Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro.
"I'm here spending the holidays at my mother's house, and my friend sent me a video of my son, from his social media, riding the jet ski alone and doing radical moves," Birkheuer posted. She expressed her grave concerns, emphasizing the lack of responsibility shown by Furmanovich. "At 13 years old, there's really a lack of responsibility, isn’t there? An adult should take care of the child and not let the child do whatever they want. It's dangerous. How many accidents have we seen from children with irresponsible parents?" she said.
Birkheuer did not hold back her feelings, stating, "I, as a mother, am very worried. I don’t know what the judiciary is doing. I don’t know what the police are doing. How is there no one supervising in Angra dos Reis, where there are children doing this and parents filming from afar on the beach? This is absurd! My indignation is so great, and my fear of something happening to my son is even greater. We don’t have a minute of peace, after all. How can we feel relaxed as parents?" Her statements drew significant responses from other mothers, with actress Luana Piovani supporting her message online.
This incident is not the first time Birkheuer and Furmanovich have had public disagreements. Earlier this year, she accused him of trying to give away the dog they adopted together and has alleged past domestic violence during their marriage. She claimed to have evidence supporting her claims, including witness testimonies and video recordings. Reflecting on their tumultuous relationship, Birkheuer previously alleged, "It seems those with more money prevail, and I’m often painted as the villain when I enforce rules and limits for our son."
According to Brazilian law, operating jet skis requires riders to be at least 18 years old and possess a specific license known as Arrais-Amador. To obtain this license, applicants must undergo theoretical and practical courses, emphasizing the dangers of unlicensed operation. Failure to comply with such regulations can lead to serious penalties, including hefty fines exceeding R$ 2,000 and potential confiscation of the watercraft.
Statistics surrounding jet ski accidents paint a troubling picture. An alarming rise has occurred, with over 500 reported incidents linked to jet skis last year, many resulting from negligence, lack of licenses, and inadequate safety measures. Disturbingly, about 20% of these incidents led to fatalities or significant injuries, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter oversight at popular tourist sites like Angra dos Reis.
The public discourse sparked by Birkheuer’s criticisms extended beyond personal grievances to touch on the broader societal issues of child safety and parental responsibility. Commentators and specialists alike have echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of supervision and adherence to safety regulations for minors engaging with high-risk activities.
With her emotional outcry, Birkheuer seems to be advocating for both her son’s immediate safety and for systemic change within child safety laws governing outdoor recreational activities. Many experts stress the repercussions of exposing minors to dangerous situations, which can lead to long-term psychological impacts beyond the physical risks involved.
Online, many users have voiced support for Birkheuer, praising her public stand as both necessary and brave. Celebrities and child advocacy groups have also weighed in, calling for increased awareness and public education surrounding the laws governing aquatic vehicle operation.
Reflecting on this incident, it’s clear there’s several layers to unpack: parental responsibility, legal repercussions, and the need for societal awareness about child safety. Letícia Birkheuer’s situation serves not only as commentary on her personal life but also as a call for greater caution and adherence to protective laws to safeguard children at leisure.
