RedactedNarrative: On July 20th 2015 at approximately 1500 hours I Officer of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified by Ocala Dispatch of a boating accident that had taken place on Lake Minneola. I arrived on scene at approximately 1530 hours. Upon arriving on scene I was notified that the subject was transported to South Lake Hospital. I spoke with who was the operator of vessel 1 the PWC bearing FL8487PY. I questioned Operator1 about the events of the accident. Operator1 V1 operator stated that he and his friend V2 operator had been riding their personal watercraft and doing circles in the lake. Operator1 V1 operator stated that he did not see that V2 operator had stopped in front of him. Operator1 V1 operator stated he attempted to turn to avoid V2 operator, but he had let go of the throttle and was unable to steer. Operator1 provided a sworn written statement. The personal watercrafts that were involved in the accident were registered to operator2 and his wife. Both watercraft were released to father in-law. I spoke with Operator2 on Friday July 24th after he had been released from South Lake Hospital. 
   
  V2 operator advised that while they were riding that Operator1 was following him too closely. V2 operator stated that he had come to a stop and he looked to his right that is when he observed Operator1 V1 driving towards him. Operator1 V1 crashed into the right side portion of V2 PWC and struck V2 operator on the right side of his body with the bow of the PWC. The collision caused V2 operator and his passenger to fall into the water. V2 operator stated that after the collision he was able to ride the PWC into shore and phone for help. V2 operator was transported by EMS to South Lake Hospital in Clermont and treated for his injuries. V2 operator stated his injuries included five broken ribs, a small laceration to his liver, a small lung puncture and bruised kidneys. 
   
  Careless operation and off throttle steering are contributing factors to this accident. V1 operator was issued an FWC Uniform Boating Citation for careless operation FS 327.33(2) citation number V433596 and two FWC resource and boating warnings #W827360 for child under six pfd not worn. When I arrived on scene I observed Operator1’s two young children not wearing an appropriate USCG approved life jacket. The two children were wearing a swim suit with floatation devices sewn into it. I asked Operator1 if that is what the children had been wearing while they were passengers on the PWC and he stated yes.