RedactedNarrative: SYNOPSIS:
  I responded to a report of an injury vessel accident. During investigating it was determined a male was wakeboarding, and struck a rock with the wakeboard causing injury to his back. Report was filed.
  
  INITIAL CONTACT:
  At approximately 22:05 Friday, July 19, 2019 on Lake Powell, I (Ranger, Boating Area Supervisor at Lake Powell) was in my office getting ready to finish my shift when I overheard NPS Dispatch advising NPS rangers of a medical injury (wake board accident) in Cedar Canyon. The initial call came across as an 11 year old male that "hit a rock wall" while wakeboarding. I advised NPS that I'd assist them and specifically would handle the boat accident investigation aspect. It was determined that Halls Crossing NPS Rangers would make initial contact, and intercept the houseboat which was transporting the individual down lake to Bullfrog (later identified as an 11 year-old male). Ranger intercepted the houseboat (EVENING STAR) at Buoy 104, and transferred the patient to their NPS patrol vessel, with his mom. Victim was then transported to the Main Ramp at Bullfrog, and transported by NPS Ambulance to the Bullfrog Clinic. I met the responding NPS units, Victim, and his mom at the Bullfrog Clinic.
  
  NARRATIVE AND INVESTIGATION
  While Victim was being treated, I made contact with his mom. She also identified herself as the operator of the Personal Watercraft (PWC) that was towing Victim as he was wakeboarding. Operator explained to me what happened; Victim wakeboarded over a rock and fell landing on the rock (on his back). She stated that they were approximately halfway up Cedar Canyon when the accident occurred. She stated she was familiar with Lake Powell and Cedar Canyon and stated that she was annoyed because she had seen that same rock that he struck with the wakeboard earlier that day. She stated all three individuals were wearing lifejackets and the speed of the PWC at the time of the accidents was approximately 17 mph. Victim's friend was the spotter on the back of the PWC.
  
  Operator stated, "There was no damage to the jet ski. I did not hit the rock with it (Victim was outside the wake). I circled back around to get him, realized he was hurt, dropped Occupant1 in the water to be with him, then started up the jet ski to back to the houseboat for help and sucked up the rope. We were within sight of the houseboat, so at that point I just waved and yelled and they came over. The rope was fairly stuck in there, so the rental place asked us to leave if for them to try and get out". She stated further that "he rode over a rock that was 10-15 feet from the shore, crashed, and landed on the rock". She said the accident occurred when she was turning around, pulling too close to the wall.
  
  Victim's injuries included, a back injury (no deformities), contusion on his right arm, and tenderness in his ribs. He hit his head on the water when he fell, but did not lose consciousness. He was examined by the Bullfrog Clinic, and then released approximately an hour after arrival. I examined the PWC the next morning and retrieved the registration and insurance information. I did not observe any significant damage to the PWC. I also observed several scratches and gouges on the wakeboard where Victim made contact with the rock. The PWC that was involved was a rental (First Class Retnals, Phone number: 385-222-7200). I made contact with the rental company as well, and they confirmed there was no serious damage to the PWC. NPS Case # is 19-3670. 
  CONCLUSION:
  Additional follow-up was conducted and information gathered. Based on my investigation, interviews, and a witness statement from the operator - inattention by both the operator and the observer were factors in the accident.
  
  End of Report
  