On June 2nd 2012 at approximately 7pm, Vessel 1, a ski style boat, operated by Operator1 was traveling south on the Colorado arm of Lake LBJ. They were headed home because the vessel was low on fuel. They were on the west side of the channel and on plane, but only going fast enough to maintain plane and conserve fuel. 

Vessel 2, a PWC, was headed north also traveling on the west side of the channel. Vessel two’s operator was watching the witness as she was about to jump off the top of a boat dock. Vessel 2 was described as cruising at a rate of speed above medium for a PWC, but not full speed. Because of Operator2’s lack of attention and high speed, he did not notice he was headed straight for vessel 1. Vessel 1’s operator and its two adult passengers attempted to wave and yell at Vessel 2 to warn it away. 

At the last moment, vessel 1 turned east to avoid the boat docks to the west and to avoid a head on collision with vessel 2. Vessel 2 struck the starboard side, low and center on vessel 1 and the operator of vessel 2 was described as being ejected off the PWC and over vessel 1, striking his foot on some object before landing safely in the water. 

The operators made contact, exchanged information and did not notify any law enforcement agencies. I, Game Warden, was working on Lake LBJ on June 3rd when I was flagged down from the shoreline by Operator1 who made the report. Operator1 told me that the three children and one other adult passenger were wearing their PFDs, but Operator1 and his wife, were not wearing theirs and did not put them on even after the boat began taking on water. Game Warden made contact with Operator2 and issued citations. Operator2 was said to have worn a PFD. One of Operator2’s ankles was injured, but from his judgment, not enough to seek immediate medical attention. No other injuries were reported.

Kingsland                     