The following is a description of a boating accident that took place on July 12, 2009 at approximately 1240 hours.

The operator of Vessel 1 had turned the boat around to pick up an occupant of the boat, who had been wakeboarding.  The operator believes that she put the boat in neutral to allow the wakeboarder to board the boat.  However, as the wakeboarder attempted to climb onto the swim platform, he was pulled under the boat and was struck by the propeller on his left leg, groin, and abdomen.  The operator of the vessel jumped into the water to assist the injured party, and in conjunction with the other passenger, was able to pull him into the boat.  The operator then attempted to drive to shore, but the boat would not move.  The operator and passenger flagged down two nearby boats.   One witness called 911 while the other towed Vessel 1 to shore, where they were met by EMS.  After investigation, it appears that the boat was placed in reverse instead of neutral while picking up the wakeboarder.
Wakefield                     