RedactedNarrative: Operator1 and Occupant had launched their vessel earlier in the day at Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County, Georgia. Operator1 advised he operated the vessel to Savannah, Georgia to watch fireworks. After nightfall while en route back to Kilkenny Marina; Operator1 advised he followed his GPS tracks back. When in the Isle of Hope area, Occupant yelled as they struck a navigational marker. Occupant was ejected. Operator1 pulled Occupant into his vessel and took her to a nearby dock. I asked Operator1 what speed he was traveling and he advised 20-25 miles per hour. I asked Operator1 if he knew that the incident occurred in an idle speed zone. Operator1 advised he had been confused about which zones were applicable to all vessels versus vessels 25 foot in length and over. I asked Operator1 if there had been any prior damage to the vessel; and he advised "No." I asked Operator1 if he had a throwable device on board. Operator1 advised he had a seat cushion. (Not approved lifesaving equipment).
  
  Operator1 provided a written statement at 2330 hours. I did not detect the odor of alcoholic beverages on Operator1's breath, nor did he appear impaired.
  
  Occupant advised she had some cuts and lacerations, but nothing life threatening. Occupant advised they went to Savannah and were going back to Kilkenny when they struck a wooden pole ejecting her into the water. Occupant provided a written statement at 0057 hours on July 5, 2014.
  
  Upon arrival the vessel; the operator and a witness was interviewed. Officer notified United States Coast Guard of the damage to the navigational marker and that it had now become a hazard to navigation. The marker was broke over and submerged slightly at half tide.