On 8/10/2013, at approximately 2:00 pm, (Boat 1) and (Boat 2) had their families boating on the Flathead River, upstream from the Kerr Dam.  These families were recreating together and one of Operator1’s sons was in a tube behind Operator2''s boat. Operator1 was positioned in front of Operator2''s boat and was at idle.

Operator2 was going to pull two kids in a tube behind his boat. He had noticed Operator1''s boat was positioned at about “1 o''clock” in front of his boat. He checked the boys behind the boat and looked around. When he throttled up to start pulling them, the front of the boat lifted up and he lost sight of Operator1''s boat.

Operator2 was unsure if Operator1 had moved in front of him or if his own boat had changed position. Shortly after accelerating, he collided with Operator1''s boat. Operator2''s boat struck Operator1''s boat in the center of the stern. Operator2 was unsure of the time period of acceleration to collision, but he stated he was not at full plane. Operator2''s boat came to rest on top of Operator1''s boat covering it about “75%”. The bow of Operator2''s boat came to rest and crushed Operator1''s windshield.
 
V1 occupant was still on the stern, starboard side of the vessels. She was trapped but not pinned by the other boat. She also said she was bent over the side of the boat and her head was underwater. Operator1 pushed the other boat off and back into the water. 

Both boats were driven from the site of the accident back to Lakeside. Operator1s was using a rented craft and the owner of the rental company contacted Flathead County Sheriff''s dispatch around 6:00 pm. The parties involved could not reach an arrangement for damages. I met with Operator1s and Operator2 that night to discuss the accident. I returned the morning of 8/11 to photograph the damaged boats. I issued Operator2 a citation for operation of a vessel in a reckless/negligent manner, endangering life/limb/ property (MCA 23-2-523(1)(a). Operator2 paid the bond of $185.00.

There were no reported serious injuries. V1 occupant reported soreness in her chest and lower back that evening and was feeling about the same in the morning. She said she did not need immediate medical attention, but would go to the doctor when she returned to Alberta the following day. I asked if I could test her mobility (7 hours after the accident) and she displayed good mobility of her back and arms. She compared the chest discomfort to muscle soreness from a strenuous workout.
 
Operator1s also reported he and some of his kids who were in his boat had minor cuts from the glass. His daughter also had a scratch on her back which did not require medical attention.

Unable to get specific information on minor cuts to other two occupant of of boat #1.

Owner of Wild Wave estimating damages around $12,000.
Polson