Cape Coral kids spark safety concerns with 'Scuba Dance' social media trend

Dashcam video captured kids riding e-bikes and scooters without helmets at a Cape Coral drive-thru Sunday night, with one of them approaching random cars and performing a social media trend called "the Scuba Dance." "We got to be mindful of what our kids are looking into getting into. As far as trends, some of them are more so cause to be a nuisance for people," said TJ Arrington, a Cape Coral resident. The encounter took place outside the Tropical Smoothie Café on Southwest 10th Place and Pine Island Road. Residents expressed concern over the behavior, calling it dangerous and urging parents to take notice. More risky behavior was observed Monday, with several riders performing wheelies in the middle of the road. Drivers who viewed the video said they have seen similar unsafe actions in the area. "Check in with your parents, make sure they know where you're at, and make sure you're following road safety. It's not that hard," Arrington said. Drivers in Cape Coral say such behavior can lead to dangerous situations. "You got to be mindful of other people on the road, and you never, you know, want somebody to do something out of spite because they're having a bad day, and you're just being a kid and not really knowing the consequences of your actions and whatnot," Arrington said. Cape Coral has seen several e-bike and scooter crashes in the past year. Last month, two boys were spotted riding a single e-bike near traffic, concerning drivers like Laura Swartz, a Cape Coral resident. "They're dodging in between cars, running stop signs right in front of traffic. I've experienced a few times almost hitting them," Swartz said. E-bikes are regulated as traditional bicycles, requiring no license, training, or age limit. Cape Coral police say they can stop riders who are riding recklessly."It could become a problem," Arrington said. "Us parents have to be mindful of what our children are consuming as far as these trends go, and recognize that life can happen in an instant. You hear bad stories happen all the time, kids getting hit, you know."Arrington added, "Kids nowadays follow social media trends all day long because of how much they're on their phones. So if you limit the screen time for kids who are supposed to be experiencing life naturally, like we all are, things like that, we're probably having a little bit less."DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.