 (vessel 1) stated in an interview he was following (vessel 2) around lake manitou on their personal watercrafts. He said he was cruising at approximately 35 mph when (vessel 2) slowed down in front of him. He said he let off the throttle and attempted to steer away to avoid a collision, but his vessel struck vessel 2 in the left rear and then struck operator2 in the left leg. Operator1 said this was his first time operating a motorboat/personal watercraft. He stated no one had explained off throttle steering to him prior to operation.

The cause of accident appears to be off throttle steering (vessel 1).  I observed damage to the plastic handle on the rear seat, left steering bar, and left mirror of vessel 2. No damage to vessel 1. Damage to vessel 2 is consistent with information provided by both operators. Vessel 1 was functioning without defect at time of my inspection. I was unable to operate vessel 2 due to damaged steering bar.
Other units at scene: fulton county ems3 and rochester pd.
Operator2 was transported to woodlawn hospital by fulton county ems and treated for a fractured left femur.

Rochester                     