SYNOPSIS
On 06-16-2013 at approximately 1600 hours I was dispatched to a vessel accident involving two rented personal watercraft (PWC) in Ponce Inlet, Volusia County, Florida on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). V1 was a 2010 Yamaha PWC. V2 was a 2005 Yamaha PWC. The accident resulted in one of the operators being injured and transported to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach where he was admitted for his injuries.
INVESTIGATION
 I interviewed the injured operator of V1 at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach.  Operator1 said he couldn't recall any events from the day.
I interviewed one of the occupants riding with Operator1. V1 occupant gave a sworn written statement documenting the events of the accident. The following information was learned from my interview with V1 occupant:
•	The group rented PWCs at approximately 1515 hours. 
•	V1 occupant and her Father were occupants on the PWC being operated by Operator1.
•	The accident occurred at approximately 1540 hours.
•	V1 occupant and V1 occupant2 fell off during a sharp turn of the PWC prior to, the accident.
•	V1 occupant saw that Operator1 was injured.
•	Operator1 was taken back to the shore where he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.
This concluded my interview with V1 occupant.

I interviewed the operator of V2. Operator2 gave a sworn written statement documenting the events of the incident after Operator2 was read Miranda Warnings and Operator2 stated he understood his warnings and would answer my questions without a lawyer present. The following information was learned from my interview with Operator2:
•	The group rented five PWCs at approximately 1515 hours.
•	Operator1 and Operator2 were operating their PWCs next to each other on a straight away with approximately 20 to 30 feet separating them. Operator1's PWC was to the left of Operator2's PWC.
•	They were traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour.
•	Operator2 was unaware of Operator1's intention to make a u-turn.
•	Operator1 crossed in front of Operator2's PWC.
•	With approximately five feet of separation, Operator2 turned to the right, and shut off the motor in an attempt to avoid a collision.
•	Operator2's PWC struck Operator1's PWC.
•	Operator1 was ejected from his PWC.
•	subject entered the water to provide assistance.
•	Operator1 was taken to shore, and transported by ambulance to the hospital.
This concluded my interview with Operator2.

Damage assessment of the accident is as follows:
V-1 Rented Yamaha PWC 10 feet in length FL 2710 PA: damage to the area forward of the handlebars.
V-2 Rented Yamaha PWC 10 feet in length FL 6920 MW: damage to the starboard side bow rub rail.
According to Short Money Jet Ski Rentals approximately $300 in damage was caused.

After reviewing all evidence and statements to date, my conclusion is as follows:
V1 made a very sharp turn to starboard, ejecting his two occupants, and crossed too closely in front of V2. V1 stalled due to the sharp in front of oncoming V2. V-2 made an attempt to avoid the collision by turning hard to starboard and shutting off the motor causing off throttle steerage. The collision was caused due to operator inexperience of both vessel operators. 

No further action taken.
Operator 1:Fractured left orbital eye socket.
PONCE INLET