On Sunday, June 20, 2010, at approximately 16:40 hours while on vehicle patrol, I received a call from Summit County Dispatch (SCD) regarding a boating accident at Echo Lake.  According to SCD, two Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) collided with each other.  I informed SCD that I was en route to the scene.

While en route, SCD informed me that an individual was injured from the accident and was being transported to Park City Medical Center via someone's personal vehicle.  SCD asked if I would like to have one of their deputies respond to the hospital and take a report.  I said that would be very helpful.

I arrived at Echo Lake South Beach area at approximately 16:55 hours.  I spoke to two people who were the owners of the two PWCs but were not operating the vessels at the time of the accident.  They informed me that the operator of the green vessel (UT4757SD), had left the scene but was going to return shortly.  OPERATOR2 was not the one injured.  A few minutes later, OPERATOR2 arrived on scene.  I had OPERATOR2, one owner, and a third eye witness of the accident provide written voluntary statements.  

I asked OWNER to provide registration and proof of insurance for both vessels.  OWNER was able to provide current registration paperwork for the green PWC but not for the second purple (UT2338SD) PWC as its paperwork was soaked and deteriorated.  OWNER also stated that the purple vessel was recently purchased.  OWNER was unable to provide any insurance paperwork.  He and OWNER2 informed me that the vessels were not currently insured.  I then examined the two vessels.  Damage to the green vessel was minimal.  The extent of the damage was minor but it did contain purple markings on its hull from the collision.  The purple PWC had substantially more damage to the hull/gunwale area on the starboard side of the vessel in the front and middle section of the vessel and up near the steering area (see photos).  

I received the written statements from each of the three individuals.  I also received paperwork delivered from Summit County Sheriff Officer who received it from Operator1’s brother.  I spoke with OPERATOR2.  He informed me that he and the operator of the purple PWC, OPERATOR1, were out on the water.  Both were wearing Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs).  They were the only ones on their respective vessels.  As OPERATOR2 was attempting to jump over the wake created by OPERATOR1'S PWC (this activity had occurred a few times without any incident), OPERATOR1 turned toward OPERATOR2'S vessel earlier than he expected him to do and OPERATOR2 was unable to stop.  OPERATOR2'S PWC hit OPERATOR1'S PWC with the lower and portside area of the hull at a sideways angle.  OPERATOR2'S vessel came up and hit OPERATOR1 in the right side and back area.  According to OPERATOR2, both operators were operating each vessel above a wakeless speed and within a distance well less than 150 feet.  Brother’s voluntary statement claims that OPERATOR1S PWC was at a near stop when OPERATOR2 came towards OPERATOR1 with his PWC and did not decrease speed until about ten feet away.  I spoke with owner who stated that of the two operators, OPERATOR2 was operating his PWC more aggressively then OPERATOR1 but that both were operating them in an unlawful manner.  owner stated that he and others during the day had warned OPERATOR2 about his aggressive operation behavior and told him to stop doing it.

I then spoke again with OPERATOR2.  I informed him that he was receiving a citation for speed/proximity violation (73-18-15.1(10).  He understood and was cooperative.  I informed him that OPERATOR1 may also receive a citation.  OPERATOR2 stated not to issue a citation and that he was more at fault then OPERATOR1.

I then spoke again with owner.  I informed him that he was going to receive a citation for not having the required boating insurance.  I left the scene at approximately 18:20 hours.  

Coalville                     