On 05262012 at approx 1025 hrs two PWCs struck each other on El Dorado Reservoir. Both PWC''s were traveling east to North East, towards the cut in the old dam.  PWC #1 was behind and to the left of PWC#2.  PWC #2 made a left turn, in front of PWC#1, and caused PWC#1 to strike it.  PWC#1 struck PWC#2 on the left side approx 1.5ft from the bow of the vessel and then rotating and sliding off of PWC #2 towards the stern.  Damage was very extensive to the left side of PWC#2 and to the front and right side of PWC#1. When NRO retrieved the PWC''s from the reservoir,  both had taken on a large amount of water.  It is unknown what type of damage may have been caused to the wiring and engines of the PWC from the amount of water that was in them.  NRO placed the PWC''s on their trailer and drained what water he could from them.  The PWC''c were then placed in a locked compound at El Dorado State Park Office.  

PWC#1 operator was thrown over the handle bars of her PWC and struck the rear of her head on something causing a laceration to the back of her head.  PWC#2 operator was thrown off to the right of her PWC.  PWC#2 operator sustained a broken left tibia and fibula bones and caused the bones to break thru the skin.  Both operators were picked up by a passing boater and took to Shady Creek Boat ramp #2 where Officers and EMS were waiting.  PWC#1 operator was transported by ground and PWC#2 operator was transported by air.  Both operators were taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita Kansas.  PWC#1 operator underwent some ex-rays and scans and received 4 staples to the rear of her head and then was released.  PWC#2 operator underwent surgery to repair her broken left leg.  First surgery was to re-set the bones and place pins.  Second surgery,a few days later, was to remove pins and place a metal plate with screws.  On 05302012 operator of PWC#2 was released from the hospital.

Both opertors had completed and passed a safe boaters education course and both were wearing approved PFD''s.  The primary cause of the accident is operator inexperience and improper look out from PWC#2. PWC#1 operator let off the throttle causing the PWC to continue on a straight path.

El Dorado                     