RedactedNarrative: I, Game Warden, was informed of a boat crash on 7/5/2021 at or around 1100 in Polson Bay of Flathead Lake, Montana. Game Warden was first to respond to the accident while myself and Game Warden were en route to the scene. At this time, we were aware that one individual was being transported to the hospital for a head injury. Details of the accident and the extent of injuries were unknown.
  
  WARDEN1 and myself arrived on scene at approximately 1300 where we began our interview and investigation. Operator 1 and operator 2 launched from their property at Polson Bay on Flathead Lake at approximately 1000. They travelled southeast toward the Flathead River tributary to recreate where they hoped the water was calmer than the open water around Polson Bay.
  
  After recreating for approximately 20 minutes, they decided to begin travelling back to their launch site. Each operator believes they were travelling at or around half throttle speed, with operator 2 on vessel 2 leading in front of operator 1 on vessel 1. Upon realizing the severity of the choppy water conditions, operator 2 stopped their vessel in order to talk with operator 1. Operator 1 did not realize operator 2 had stopped their vessel, subsequently causing vessel 1 to strike the back of vessel 2, launching vessel 1 up and over vessel 2, hitting operator 2 in the back of the head.
  
  At this time operator 1 travelled back to shore to get help for operator 2 who was brought to shore and transported to the hospital. Operator 2 sustained a minor head injury and was treated at St. Josephs Medical Center in Polson, Montana. 
  
  Upon examining the two personal watercrafts involved, vessel 2 sustained approximately $250 of damage. Two upholster rips measuring approximately 1 and 2 inches in length were located on the back of the passenger seat. Observer handlebars located directly behind the seat sustained a 2 inch gash. No damage was located on vessel 1. 
  
  Conclusion: 
  Hazardous water conditions created by wind, excessive speed for conditions present, and carelessness of operating too close to one another were all contributing factors in the cause of this accident. 
  
  Additionally, operator 1 was required to possess a valid Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate in order to operate a personal watercraft of more than 10 horsepower without an adult present. They did not possess this safety certificate and were instructed to complete the course before operating a PWC alone again. No further enforcement action was taken.
  