Young Boca Raton partiers sporting skimpy bathing suits on expensive boats were interrupted by police on the hunt to arrest an 'aggressive' perpetrator.
David Scott Howell, 58, was detained on Sunday at the annual Boca Bash on Lake Boca after he allegedly made 'aggressive advancements' at bikini-clad partiers.
Howell was arrested on two counts of battery and one count of felony child abuse after police separated and interviewed his alleged victims, reported CBS12.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials noticed the 'disturbance' and said the victims had visible injuries.
Two others were reportedly arrested for boating under the influence, the Boca Raton Police Department told Fox News Digital.
Partiers at the annual boozy bash said there were more police than usual stalking this year's event, including several undercover officers.
The ticket-free, all-day party is hosted by an independent group each year on Lake Boca. Since 2007, thousands of partiers have swarmed the water on boats, floaties and paddleboards with coolers in tow.
Between 8,000 and 10,000 people were in attendance this year, the Boca Fire Department reported. It is one of the largest water events in South Florida.
Every year, bikini-clad partygoers attend Boca Raton's annual Boca Bash on Lake Boca
Approximately 10,000 partiers attended the event in 2026, prompting a major response from law enforcement
David Scott Howell, 58, was detained at Boca Bash on Sunday for alleged 'aggressive advancements' toward female partygoers
CJ Thomas, a Deerfield resident who has been to Boca Bash multiple times, said it's the 'biggest event of the year.'
'There was one time a floating stripper pole out there,' he told WPEC. 'I've seen beer kegs out there, big, big parties, just college kids out there having fun.'
'I will say that this year there is definitely a heavy law enforcement presence,' Thomas added.
A representative for the Boca Raton Police Department told the Daily Mail the event was 'not sanctioned by the city.'
However, the City of Boca Raton works with multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of its residents.
A spokesperson told Fox Digital that the city works on 'providing the appropriate level of enforcement and response to help protect the community.'
Boca Raton's Fire and Police Departments, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Coast Guard and even ICE patrolled the 2026 Boca Bash.
In addition to three arrests, authorities also responded to six boat collisions. None resulted in serious injuries.
The Boca Fire Department handled six medical transports during the event and one trauma alert for severe lacerations.
Boca Bash has been held each year at Boca Lake since 2007
Boater Jenna Goldstein said she felt 'very safe' thanks to the hordes of police.
'They do have a lot of people, you know, they drive up and down around the boats to make sure we stay in control,' she told WPBF.
'We saw a lot of law enforcement last year on little wave runners, and we felt very safe.'
To further manage this year's chaos, law enforcement cracked down on boat ramps leading in and out of the water.
According to a statement from the city, ramps were only open to the public until nearby parking lots were full.
'Only Delray Beach residents will be allowed to launch or retrieve their boats at that time,' it said. 'No additional parking will be available.'
Attendees said the crackdown made it harder for people to get in and out of the water during the all-day event.
Annual visitors recalled seeing a floating stripper pole, music and kegs at the party some years
Alongside multiple arrests, officials responded to several medical emergencies during the all-day event
The party has been linked to several major incidents over the years, prompting increased safety concerns.
A 32-year-old man drowned at the party in 2018, while another was charged with second-degree attempted murder in 2022.
The man was accused of holding his girlfriend underwater. He was acquitted last month.
The Daily Mail contacted the Boca Raton Fire Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for comment.