RedactedNarrative: On August 11th, 2018, at approximately 1430 hours, I, Game Warden First Class (GWFC) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division (GADNR-LED), along with GWFC, were on routine vessel patrol on Lake Lanier.  At that time, we received a call from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Dispatch, reference a boating incident that had occurred at approximately 1420 hours on Lake Lanier, in Bald Ridge Creek, near Cherokee Trace.  Dispatch advised that a male subject (later identified as Operator) was injured in the incident.  I advised Dispatch that we would respond to the scene.  Dispatch further advised that Forsyth Co. Sheriff's Office (FCSO) Deputies were on scene, and would transport Operator to Bald Ridge Marina.  Operator was then released to the care of Forsyth Co. Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS).  Operator was later transported by FCEMS to North Fulton Medical Center (NFMC) for treatment.
  
  	GWFC and I arrived on scene at approximately 1439 hours, and made contact with FCSO Deputies, the owner of the personal watercraft (PWC) that was involved in the incident, as well as other witnesses.  Owner refused to provide a written statement, but did give a verbal statement.  I noted that all statements were consistent.  Witnesses advised that Operator operated Owner's 2018 Yamaha GP 1800 PWC, blue in color, northwest at a high rate of speed on Lake Lanier in Bald Ridge Creek, and proceeded to jump the large wake of an unknown black in color pontoon boat.  Witnesses stated that when Operator jumped the large wake, he ascended vertically to an approximate height of 5 to 8 feet.  Operator then allegedly landed on his back, striking the PWC, knocking the seat off.  Operator then allegedly ascended again vertically to an approximate height of 3 feet while unconscious, and landed in the water face down.  Several passersby in other vessels stopped to render aid to Operator.  Owner stated that he was approximately 100 yards away from Operator when the incident occurred, as he operated another PWC, however Owner did not witness the incident.  Owner also rendered aid to Operator.  I noted that the PWC had obvious and very recent damage to the rear port-side body area, which was above the foot-well, and just below the seat. The damage consisted of an approximate 8 inch puncture, which was part of an overall approximate 24 inch line fracture.
  
  	GWFC conducted a follow up at NFMC.  Due to the impact with the PWC, Operator suffered rib fractures (2 through 6), collapsed lung (left), as well as air present in the mediastinum.  He is expected to recover.
  
  	I processed the PWC, which included taking photographs.  I noted that the required fire extinguisher was not present on the PWC.  
  
  Conclusion:
  
  	Following the review of all statements, and analysis of all evidence available at the time of the incident, it is my opinion, based upon my knowledge, training, and experience as an officer, that the serious injury boating incident that involved operator Operator occurred in the following manner:
  
  	At approximately 1420 hours, Operator operated Owner's 2018 GP 1800 Yamaha PWC, blue in color, northwest at a high rate of speed on Lake Lanier in Bald Ridge Creek, and proceeded to jump the large wake of an unknown black in color pontoon boat.  When Operator jumped the large wake, he ascended vertically to an approximate height of 5 to 8 feet.  Operator then landed on his back, striking the PWC, knocking the seat off.  Operator then ascended again vertically to an approximate height of 3 feet while unconscious, then landed in the water face down.  Due to the impact with the PWC, Operator sustained the said injuries, and was subsequently transported to NFMC.  
  
  	This conclusion is based exclusively upon accessible information at
  