RedactedNarrative: On July 18, 2018 at approximately 17:00 hours Operator 1 and Passenger 1 were riding a personal water craft. They were heading North on the Indian River intercoastal waterway, in Palm Bay, just West of the channel. As the PWC approached the concrete powerline poles at approximately 25-30 mph, the operator was unable to avoid collision, and collided with a concrete pillar. Both passengers were thrown off the PWC into the water and both were wearing life jackets. The operator suffered some memory loss and an injured left arm. The passenger had minor injuries. The passenger called Sea Tow and they remained in the water until Sea Tow was able to locate them. Sea Tow took the PWC and the riders to Palm Bay Marina. The operator was then transported by ambulance to Palm Bay hospital. The passenger was also evaluated at the Palm Bay hospital. 
  
  During my investigation it was discovered that the PWC had been purchased on July 13, 2018 and had not been registered yet (see attached photo/document). The Operator 1 had just taken the boater safety course on July 16, 2018 and stated he has less than 10 hours of experience operating vessels. He stated he only had a few hours of experience on the PWC and it was the second time operating the PWC. Due to the statements given and the evidence collected I find the cause of the accident to be operator inexperience, carelessness, and improper lookout. Based on the evidence Operator 1 navigated too close to the concrete piling. As he approached he panicked and tried to navigate around the concrete piling, but was unable to avoid the collision. A PWC requires the throttle to be engaged in order for steering to be effective. The PWC struck the concrete piling and threw both passengers overboard into the water. The impact dislodged the PWC battery and severely damaged the bow of the PWC. Operator 1 suffered a concussion, fractured wrist, and fracture pelvic bone due to the accident. Passenger 1 suffered a bruised tailbone. They both climbed aboard the PWC but it was unable to start and began taking on water from the collision damage on the bow. Passenger 1 then called Sea Tow and they remained in the water until Sea Tow arrived.
  