An inexperienced boater with his wife as passenger were travelling at full speed on a rented PWC on Deep Creek Lake, MD and were approaching the dock.  The operator was concerned about another vessel and hit the off switch twice while holding the throttle wide open.  The engine stayed on and in gear.  The PWC hit another PWC tied to the dock, went airborn and hit a second docked PWC on the other side of the dock.  The PWC travelled approximately 25 feet while both occupants stayed in their seats.  There were no apparent injuries.  All three vessels sustained disabling damage.  The operator was charged with Negligent Operation and Failure to Maintain a Distance of 100 feet while exceeding 6 knots on a PWC.  Alcohol was not involved.
McHenry                       