RedactedNarrative: On June 12, 2022, at approximately 1700 hours, Sgt. and I, Corporal, both with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, were notified by dispatch of a boating incident involving 2 PWCs and 3 minors that occurred on the Chestatee River near Nix Bridge Park.  All subjects and vessels involved returned to a residence after the incident and emergency services were called.
  
  Sgt. and I arrived at the residence and spoke with Operator2, operator of Vessel 2 (V2), a 2020 Seadoo PWC, and V2 owner, owner of V2.  Operator1 and V1 occupant, operator and passenger of Vessel 1 (V1), a 2019 Yamaha PWC, had already been transported for medical attention.  
  
  V2 owner said she was hosting a birthday party for her child and that Operator2, Operator1, and V1 occupant were in attendance at the party.  V2 owner said she allowed Operator2 to borrow and ride V2 after asking him if and receiving confirmation that he had taken a boater education course.  Operator2 said that he told V2 owner that he had taken a boater education course, though he had not, because Operator2 thought his driver learner's permit fulfilled the requirement.  Operator2 said he knew he was required to take a boater education course to legally operate a vessel because his brother had been stopped previously for the same reason.
  
  	I spoke with Operator2 on the date of the incident and received written statements from Operator2, Operator1, and V1 occupant at a later date.  (Statements attached.)  Operator2 said that the incident occurred at approximately 1500 hours near the powerlines over the Chestatee River near it's fork at Nix Bridge Park.  
  
  Operator2 said that he was alone on V2 and Operator1 was operating V1 with V1 occupant as a passenger.  Operator2 said V1 and V2 crossed in front of a wake boat and were navigating the waves from other vessels in front of the wake boat.  Operator2 said he lost sight of V1 as it crossed the waves, then collided with V1 as it slowed down to navigate the waves.  Operator2 said Operator1 and V1 occupant were ejected from V1.  Operator2 said both Operator1 and V1 occupant briefly lost consciousness and Operator2 pulled them from the water before they all returned to the V2 owner residence.  Operator2 said he was uninjured.
  
  	Operator1 and V1 occupant confirmed Operator2's statement, except that Operator1 said V1 and V2 were crossing behind the passing wake boat.  Operator1 said she slowed down to navigate the waves when V2 ramped over V1.  Operator1 said V2 hit her right leg and Operator1 and V1 occupant said they both lost consciousness.  V1 occupant said her back was injured and she was unable to move in the water.
  
  	V1 occupant was transported by ambulance and Operator1 was transported by her parents to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  V1 occupant suffered a fractured spine, Lumbar 1-4, and a concussion.  Operator1 suffered a concussion with residual hand/eye coordination disruption.  V1 occupant's and Operator1' medical recovery continues.
  
  	I photographed V2 on the same date and documented scuffs and transfer along the port side of the hull.  On June 20, 2022, GW photographed V1 on a trailer at the Operator1' residence.  (Photographs attached.)  V1 had scuff marks and transfer on the fiberglass above the bondline from the stern to the bow along its starboard side.  Additionally, there was fiberglass chipping near the stern of the starboard side and the port side mirror was broken off. 
  
  	In conclusion based on witness statements and evidence gathered through the investigation of the incident that occurred on June 12, 2022, the following determinations have been made: V1 and V2 were crossing wake from a boat in the area.  V1 slowed crossing the wake; V2 continued at a higher rate of speed.  V2's bow ramped V1's stern and continued forward along the starboard side of V1 with its port side.  Both occupants of V1 were ejected.  V2 is at fault for violating O.C.G.A. 52-7-12.1 - Reckless Operation of a Vessel by violating Rule 6 of
  