Boca Bash 2025: 5 things to know about party on Lake Boca - Boating, booze and bikinis
Boca Bash is an annual, unofficial boating party held on Lake Boca Raton in Florida. What started as a private birthday celebration in the early 2000s, has transformed into one of the most talked-about gatherings on South Florida's waters.
The event is known for its floating crowds, loud music, inflatable floats, and party atmosphere. It's not organized by any official group, but it draws thousands of boaters, jet skiers, and partygoers every year, many of whom travel from across the state.
Held on the last Sunday of April, Boca Bash has become both a South Florida tradition and a growing concern for local officials due to safety and environmental issues.
Boca Bash is traditionally held on the last Sunday of April. In 2025, this falls on April 27. Participants are encouraged to plan ahead, as the event draws large crowds and increased law enforcement presence.
Boca Bash began in 2007 as a birthday celebration for local resident Rockey Rossi, organized by his friends Brad Geisen and Scott McCure. Despite initial cancellation requests from the city, the event proceeded and has since grown into a massive gathering, drawing up to 10,000 attendees annually
Boca Bash is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring a mix of boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. Participants often engage in partying, dancing, and drinking, with the event being described as "boozing and bikinis"
While drinking on the water is legal in Florida, operating a vessel under the influence is not. In 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) made 16 arrests during Boca Bash, primarily for boating under the influence. Law enforcement agencies emphasize safety due to the high risk of accidents and altercations during the event.
The 2024 Boca Bash faced criticism after a video surfaced showing attendees dumping trash into the ocean. The FWC investigated the incident, highlighting concerns about environmental damage and the importance of protecting Florida's waterways.
More: 'The world is watching this' top Florida wildlife official says about Boca Bash trash dumping
Lake Boca is not very deep and water in many parts is only knee- or shoulder-high, which is good for those who might fall in.
However, it is not easy to anchor because boats often find nothing to grip except soft sand. Boats can often drift. The inlet will lead to a channel of more active water, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
A 32-year-old man attending the water party drowned in 2018. West Palm Beach's Francis Roselin had gone missing the Sunday afternoon of the event, and another swimmer noticed him at the bottom of a shallow part of the Intracoastal Waterway at about 5 p.m.
Authorities pulled Roselin from the water and placed him in a marine-unit vessel. Medics attempted CPR as Roselin was transported to the boat ramp, where he was pronounced dead.
The annual Boca Bash is on Lake Boca in Boca Raton, Florida. Located near the Boca Raton Inlet, the spot features a shallow, popular sandbar area and is known for boating, swimming and socializing.
Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca Bash 2025: Facts on Florida boating party on Lake Boca Raton
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