On May 28, 2012 at 15:00 hours Vessel 1 (personal watercraft) operated by Operator 1 was increasing speed after leaving a no wake zone by Jayhawk Marina on Hillsdale Lake.  The operator stated the waves were very rough.  The operator said the next thing he remembered was being helped by the EMS personnel at the boat ramp.  It is unknown what the operator struck that knocked him unconscious.  The witness who was operating a vessel (personal watercraft) and observed Vessel 1 in upfront of her approximately 25 feet.   She also said the waves were rough.  The witness said she looked down, and when she looked up Operator 1 was floating face down in the water.  Operator 1 was wearing his PFD at the time of the accident. She immediately jumped in the water and turned over Operator 1.  She took him back to her vessel.   The operator of vessel 1, the witness, and their vessels was transported by an unknown boat to Jayhawk Boat Ramp for medical evaluation.  Operator 1 was then transported to Overland Park Regional Hospital.  Operator 1 had a broken left tibia, a bruise right shoulder, and a 2 inch laceration across the forehead as a result of the accident.

It is unknown what cause the accident, other than the rough water was a factor in the accident.

Paola                         