On 8/1/2010 Officer met with operator1 at his residence.  Operator1 advised that he was operating a personal watercraft, IA 9610 AK on Brown's Lake when he experienced engine trouble and stalled.  As he was attempting to get the PWC running he noticed that a boat was approaching him at what he considered a high rate of speed.  He was able to briefly gain power and move a few feet before stalling again.  Operator1 stated that he anticipated that the approaching vessel's operator did not see him and they were going to collide since the bow of the boat was high in the air.  When the vessel got within 10-20 feet, Operator1 stated that it veered toward shore.  Operator1 stated that he tried to "lay down" the PWC he noticed that a tuber was going to hit him.  He then stated that the tuber skipped across the water and hit the bottom of his PWC.  Operator1 then stated that the vessel towing the tuber came back to help out the injured person.  Operator1 then advised that there was no damage to his PWC and he had no injuries.  Officer then contacted operator2 at Mercy Hospital.  Operator2 advised that his daughter, had been on a tube behind his boat, IA 2331 AJ.  Operator2 stated that he had been operating on Brown's Lake.  He said he was going 10-15 mph while tubing.  He advised that he initially observed Operator1 on the PWC from 250-300 yards away.  Operator2 then stated that he thought the PWC would move.  As he traveled, Operator2 suddenly realized that the PWC was still in the same location.  He then stated that he swerved to the right to miss the PWC.  When he did, the tube swung toward the PWC and his daughter rolled off.  Operator2 advised that daughter skipped accress the water and hit the PWC.  Operator2 advised officer that the collision resulted in several broken ribs.  Officer inspected Operator2's vessel & was able to determine that the rope attached to the tube was 45 feet long.  After explaining speed and distance rules to Operator2, Officer issued a citation for violating those rules.
Salix                         