On 8/25/2012, at about 5:25 pm, Vessel #1 (V1), 21' open motor boat was travelling at a slow speed (estimate of 15 mph) south toward Tacoma Point on Lake Tapps.  Vessel #2 (V2), 20' open motorboat was pulling a tube and turned at or near the front of V-1 causing the tow line and tube with 3 children on it to move in front of V1.  V1 hit the tow line.  As the tow line crossed over the front window frame the tow line caught and broke off the mirror attached.  As the tube went over V1, the children were thrown from the tube and landed in the water.  The operator of V1, did not see what direction that V2 came from until it made the turn near his boat.   

The operator of V2, picked up the riders on the tube and went back north along Tacoma Point.  Tuber1 one of the tube riders from V2, said she hit her head on something and complained of a headache and later started vomiting.  Both tubers showed signs of confusion and discomfort.  Tuber2 was driven to St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way by his mother where he was treated and released.  Medical aid (911) was called for Tuber1, she was transported and admitted to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.  It was determined that both had concussions.  Tuber3 was not injured.  There were no injuries on boat (V1). 

There were 2 injuries on V2, no injuries on V1. 
There was no apparent use of alcohol indicated. 
V1 estimated damages at $300.  V-2 reported no damages. 
No one on board V1 was wearing a PFD.  Only those being towed by V2, including the 2 injured parties were wearing PFDs (a total of 3).
V1 operator had no formal operator instruction and did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card.  V2 operator reported having "other state or local class" in operator instruction but did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card.
Operators of both vessels reported having over 100 hours of operator experience. 

This was a rules of the road violation but the Pierce County Sheriff's Office could not issue a citation as the officers did not witness the incident.

Lake Tapps                    