On Sunday, August 25, 2013, I (CPO) was notified at approximately 3:35 PM by Illinois State Police Dispatch of a boat accident near Boy Scout Island in St. Charles on the Fox River.  I arrived on scene at approximately 4:20 PM and spoke with the owner of Vessel 2 who explained he and his wife were traveling south on the Fox River to the boat launch at Boy Scout Island to pick up their son.  Operator2 said a waverunner (Vessel 1) had been following them and was jumping the wake of his boat.  As the Vessel 1 jumped the wake, it got extremely close to Vessel 2 and during a course correction Vessel 1 impacted Vessel 2 on the rear port quarter.  Vessel 2 sustained damage above the rub rail, the extent of the damage was chipped gel coat, scuffed paint, and a dime size piece of the fiberglass was removed.  Operator2 explained he was not sure how much the damage would cost, but was given $500.00 by Vessel 1''s guardian.  Operator2 said he and Guardian exchanged information and would contact Guardian if the damage exceeded the $500.00.

After concluding my interview with Operator2, I spoke with Guardian at Boy Scout Island.  He stated that he had gone to get gas for Vessel 1 and left his fiance''s son under the supervision of his friend.  While getting gas Operator1 got on Vessel 1 without expressed permission and began riding.  After the collision, Operator1 returned to Boy Scout Island and did not say anything about the accident because of fear of punishment.  Vessel 2 found Vessel 1 and began looking for the owner/operator.  During this time Guardian had returned from getting gas and spoke with Operator2.  Operator2 was then paid the $500.00 and information was exchanged.  I asked Guardian to get the appointed party responsible for Operator1 during the time of the accident, Guardian said he would.  While Guardian left to get the party,  I asked Operator1 if he had taken a boating safety course, he said he had not.  Guardian returned and I spoke with friend and explained that since he supposed to be watching Operator1 and since Operator1 did not have a boating safety certificate, I would be issuing him a citation for permitting a youthful operator to operate a watercraft without a boating safety card.

After issuing the citation to friend, I explained the citation to him.  friend said he understood the terms and would take care of it.  I then inspected Vessel 1 and found there to be no damage other than a mild scuff on the starboard side hull.  I explained to Operator1, and Guardian that a boat accident report would need to be filled out, and I would email them a copy of it with instructions on how to complete it and where to send it after completion.  No further enforcement was taken to either parties of Vessel 1 or 2.  I then returned to patrol.
St. Charles