On Saturday, August 27, 2011, at approximately 6:40 pm, Vessel 1 was heading west near the shoreline towing a tube that had two children on board.  Vessel 2 was traveling west-southwest away from shore just ahead of Vessel 1 on the right side.  Operator1 looked ahead of his vessel, then over his left shoulder, and then accelerated when it was clear on the left.  At the time Operator1 accelerated, Vessel 2 came in front of the boat.  With the nose up during acceleration, Operator1 and passengers were unable to see Vessel 2 and collided.  

Vessel 1 hit Vessel 2 on the left rear of the boat and came over the top of Vessel 2 at an angle, with the keel of the boat centered on the windshield.  Immediately upon colliding, Vessel 1 shut down and passenger on Vessel 1 jumped off the boat.  The vessels separated and Operator1 asked after the welfare of the passengers on Vessel 2.

One person - a six year old child - was transported to the emergency room via ambulance as a precaution.  He sustained a contusion to his right temple and was discharged from the hospital that night.

On Vessel 1 five of the six passengers were wearing life jackets, and a life jacket was available for the passenger.  Vessel 1 did not have a sound producing device, a fire extinguisher, or a Type IV throw cushion.  The driver was not wearing a safety lanyard.

On Vessel 2 the three children were wearing properly-sized life jackets; however, there was not a life jacket on board for the driver.  The boat was equipped with all other safety equipment.  The driver was not wearing a safety lanyard.

Vessel 1 had several scratches on the underside of the vessel.  Unknown if they were caused by the collision.

Vessel 2 had damage throughout the entire vessel.  The fiberglass from the rear of the boat to the windshield had abrasions, cracks and chips.  The motor would not start.  The windshield was broken in the center, the front seats were bent.

Alcohol did not appear to be a factor.

Lubbock                       