On Monday, July 25, 2011 at approximately 1730 hrs., myself and Ofc. were dispatched to Wind and Water Sports (PWC rental facility) located at 1400 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, to investigate the report of a boating accident that had just occurred in the Gulf, involving a PWC. I was advised further that there were two people involved, one of which was injured and transported to the hospital. 

I arrived at Wind and Water Sports at approximately 17:50 hrs., and met with FWC Officer, and manager. Manager stated that the incident had just occurred in the Gulf directly in front of the shop; just outside the slow speed buoys. He reported that the female passenger had a small cut above her eye and complained of neck and back pain at which time he called EMS. He stated that he did not witness the incident.

Ofc. and I then responded to the Lee County Memorial Hospital and met with both parties involved. The operator and the passenger were. Operator reported that they rented a PWC and were near the shoreline when their PWC began being pushed around by large wakes which were caused by other PWC's being operated in the area. He then let off throttle and came to a stop when a wake pushed up against them causing the PWC to go under water. As a result, he and Occupant collided heads and were ejected into the water. He noticed that Occupant was facing up in the water, however appeared unconscious. When he grabbed her, she then came to at which time he assisted her back on the PWC, and immediately transported her back to shore. Operator stated that she complained of a lot of pain on her side, neck and back, and was transported to the hospital by EMS. He stated that he was now feeling pain in his head, neck and back. Due to occupant’s current condition a statement was not taken. Investigation revealed same as reported by Operator. No further action taken.

FORT MYERS BEACH              