Ex-Staff Detail Tough Times at Closed Boat Clubs

Two former employees of JetRide and Carefree Boat Club locations in Palm Beach County and on the Treasure Coast have detailed challenging working conditions prior to the companies ceasing operations Sept. 1. Zachariah Rowland, a former training captain for Carefree Boat Club in Fort Pierce, and Thomas Margait, who worked at JetRide in Stuart and other South Florida locations, shared their experiences following WPTV's earlier reporting on the closures.

The closures left many members, who enjoyed boating from locations like Peanut Island or near the Jupiter Inlet, without the services they paid for.

Rowland stated that employees often handled frustrated members without adequate management support. "We're right there with the members, getting essentially yelled at by the members. They're upset, they're frustrated, rightfully so, and we would have to take the brunt of it, not JetRide or Carefree management," Rowland said. He described members as "the reason why I kept going" and characterized it as "a hard place to work." Rowland recalled these interactions often happening as members sought to enjoy days on the intracoastal waterway.

Margait echoed that leadership failed staff trying to provide good service. "We did try to provide a good service, and, unfortunately, I feel management failed us," Margait said. He believes members deserve accountability and "an answer or a resolution" regarding the abrupt cessation of services. Many members likely joined expecting service levels found at other boating establishments along the Palm Beach coast.

JetRide and Carefree Boat Club emailed members Sept. 9 announcing operations stopped Sept. 1, citing rising costs and weather disruptions. WPTV continues to seek responses from the companies' owners.