After reviewing the written statement, and examining the vessel the following can be concluded. On August 14, 2013, operator was operating a 15 foot Jon boat with a 25hp tiller handle motor in Potato Creek on Lake Marion, with his son as a passenger. The vessel was traveling up Potato Creek; the occupants were in the process of letting water drain out of the vessel as it went up the creek. During the process of letting the water out, Operator let go of the handle on the motor, this action caused the vessel to turn sharp to the right. This turn caused both occupants to be ejected from the vessel and into the water. While in the water both men began swimming towards the shore. son returned to the vessel to retrieve life jackets for himself and his father, as he was approaching his father's location in the water, operator went under water and did not resurface. The body of operator was recovered on 8-16-2013, his death was ruled a drowning.