On 090912 I Officer received a call from dispatch regarding a vessel accident that occurred near the Wabasso Causeway in Indian River County.  I responded and arrived on scene at approximately 1700 hours.  Upon arrival, it was determined two PWC's were involved in the accident.  I first spoke with owner of the PWC (FL 0438 LP) that sustained damage.  Owner2 stated that his friend, operator2, was operating the PWC at the time of the accident.  Owner2 stated that Operator2 went to Sebastian Medical Center for injuries sustained in the accident.  I then approached the operator of the second PWC (FL 9088 MM) involved in the accident.  

The operator, identified as operator1 confirmed he was operating the second PWC (V1) involved in the accident.  Operator1 stated he did not have any injuries.  I asked Operator1 to explain what happened.  Operator1 stated that he and Operator2 (V2) were underway eastbound in the Indian River Lagoon just south of Wabasso Causeway going approximately 40- 45mph.  Operator1 stated V2 was approximately 30 yards ahead and off his starboard.   Operator1 stated a wave caused him to fall off his PWC.  He then swam back to his PWC and assumed control of it.  Operator1 then stated that Operator2, operator of V2, drove over to him stating Operator1's PWC hit his.  I asked Operator1 if he had a boater i.d. card or if he had taken any boater education courses.  Operator1 replied no.  I explained to Operator1 since he was born after January 1, 1988 he had to take a boater education class in order to operate a PWC in Florida.  Operator1 advised he was unaware of the requirement.  Operator1 was cited for no boater i.d..  

Note:  I attempted to give Operator1 a copy of his citation but he refused to take it.  Operator1 made a comment that he'll just go to the courthouse and take care of it.  Later that same evening I met with Operator2, operator of V2.  I asked Operator2 to explain what happened.  Operator2 stated he and Operator1 were underway eastbound at approximately 45 mph and that he was approximately 30-40 feet ahead of V1 and on V1's starboard side.  Operator2 stated he slowed down and turned to port to see where V1 was.  That is when V2 made contact with him.  I asked Operator2 if he had any injuries.  Operator2 stated he went to the hospital and they took X-Rays of his lower leg.  He advised there were no broken bones but he had bruising on his lower left leg.  The hospital released him shortly after being admitted.  Operator2 stated he was considering going to his doctor for an examination.  I gave Operator2 my business card and asked him to contact me if there were any new developments in his injury or in treatment.  Operator2 provided a sworn written statement.

VERO BEACH                    