Investigation revealed:  Both operators had rented a PWC from Rt 72 Waverunner Rentals. After receiving proper instructions on riding safety and reading the PWC renter orientation checklist, they departed the rental property on thier PWCs and headed directly to the designated riding area. Approximately 40 minutes later, vessel #1, located west of vessel #2, traveled in an easterly direction toward vessel #2. Vessel #2, located west of vessel #1, traveled in a western direction toward vessel #1. Both vessels traveled toward each other head to head or nearly so. Vessel #2 turned to port (left) and in front of vessel #1. Vessel #1 began a port  side turn then collided into vessel #2.  Vessel #1 initially impacted its starboard bow with vessel #2 starboard bottom hull. Both vessels maintained contact with each other on thier starboard sides while moving away from each other in opposite directions. Both operators were ejected from thier vessels during impact.

Investigation determined through operator and witness statements, inspection of the two PWC involved,and weather at the time of the accident that operator #2, when meeting head on(reciprocal course or nearly so as to involve the risk of collision with vessel #1, failed to alter his course to starboard so that each vessel would pass on the port side of each other.  Additionally both operators failed to proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action could have been taken to avoid a collision.
Stafford Twp