operator WAS OPERATING HIS 1997 CROWNLINE BOAT ON THE CAPE FEAR RIVER WITH SEVEN OTHER OCCUPANTS.  OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING DOWN RIVER FROM LOCK AND DAM #2 TOWING TWO SKIERS.  SKIER1 WAS ON THE PORT SIDE AND SKIER2 WAS ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.  SKIER2 WAS LEARNING HOW TO WAKE BOARD AND WAS ON THE OUSIDE OF THE WAKE TRYING TO COME BACK INTO THE CENTER OF THE VESSEL WAKE.  WHEN SKIER2 GOT ON THE CREST OF THE WAKE HIS BOARD TWISTED WITH HIM CAUSING HIM TO FALL FACE FIRST INTO THE WATER.  AFTER HE HIT THE WATER HIS WAKE BOARD HIT HIM IN THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS HEAD CAUSING A LACERATION AND KNOCKING HIM UNCONSCIOUS.  AS A RESULT SKIER2 SUFFERED A CONCUSSION.  SKIER2 WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE BLADEN CO HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED.  SKIER2 RECEIVED FIFTEEN STITCHES IN THE LACERATION TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
ELIZABETH TOWN                