RedactedNarrative: On 4/16/2017, at 0931 hours, I, Corporal (Cpl.) received a call from Sergeant (Sgt.) assigning to me a boating incident investigation in Colquitt County. I called and spoke with Ranger First Class (RFC) for a briefing on the incident. 
  
  On 4/15/2017, at approximately, 1419 hours Subject called 911 dispatch to report a boating incident at Reed Bingham State Park Lake. Vessel 1 operator was traveling behind Vessel 2 operated by his father. Vessel 2 operator decreased speed. Due to operator inattention, vessel operator 1, Operator1 did not observe Operator2's change in speed. Vessel 1 collided with vessel 2 impacting the port stern of vessel 2. Due to the high rate of speed, vessel 1 ramped up impacting Operator2. Vessel 1 then deflected off to the port side of vessel 2. Operator2 was ejected from vessel 2 into the water. 
  
  Operator1 boarded vessel 2 and assisted Operator2 in holding on to the stern. Witnesses approached in a third vessel to assist. Subject1 held on to vessel 2 while Subject2 used the trolling motor of the third vessel to tow vessel 2 to shore. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on scene at approximately 1430 hours and transported Operator2 to South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Georgia. Operator2 sustained spinal and internal injuries. 
  
  RFC and Cpl. assisted Operator1 in removing vessel 1 and vessel 2 from the water. RFC and Cpl. examined both vessels for impact damage and determined the events of the incident as described by Operator1 and witnesses were indicated by the evidence. RFC and Cpl. released both vessels. RFC traveled to South Georgia Medical Center and spoke briefly with Operator2. Operator2 confirmed the events of the incident. 
  
  On 4/16/2017, at approximately 1130 hours, I met with RFC at Reed Bingham State Park Lake. I collected evidence and witness statements from RFC and secured chain of custody. I photographed the incident scene. I spoke with Georgia State Patrol dispatch and obtained call history logs from the incident. At approximately 1400 hours, RFC and I received notification that Operator2 was still in treatment at South Georgia Medical Center but his injuries were not likely to result in a fatality. RFC and I cleared the scene at approximately 1530 hours. 
  
  Following investigation, I have determined that this incident occurred as a result of operator inattention and inexperience. Vessel 1 operator is required to attend a boater education course prior to operating any vessel. RFC and Cpl. discussed vessel operation requirements and safety precautions with Operator1 and his mother. Results of this investigation are based on information available at this time and subject to change should new information or evidence become available. 
  
  