On 8-14-2010, at approximately 17:38, State Game Warden was dispatched in response to a report of a individual who was struck by a PWC and was unconscious and not breathing.  Upon arrival at 18:00, Warden spoke with subject who informed Warden that he and two friends were riding PWCs when Operator1 fell off of his PWC (Vessel 1) and was struck in the head by Operator2's PWC (Vessel 2).  Subject informed Warden that Operator1 and Operator2 were attempting to spray people on the dock with water propelled from their PWCs.  Warden then spoke with Operator2 and Operator2 stated that Operator1 had attempted to spray people on the dock with Vessel 1 when Operator1 fell from Vessel 1.  Operator2 stated that he was traveling approximately 40 feet behind Operator1 when Operator2 attempted to spray people on the dock.  Operator2 stated that he did not see Operator1 in the water and that at the last second attempted to turn but struck Operator1 with Vessel 2.  Both subject and Operator2 stated that Operator1 was knocked unconscious, was not breathing, and was floating face up.  subject stated that he then performed CPR on Operator1 and that he then began breathing and regained consciousness.  Operator1 was then transported by private vehicle to St. Peter's Hospital where he receieved a MRI and was released.  Warden gathered written statments from both subject and Operator2 and a verbal statement from Operator1.  Operator2 and Operator1 were each subsequently cited for reckless operation of a PWC and each receieved written warnings for reckless approach to/from a dock, and operate greater than no-wake speed in certain circumstances.
Helena                        