RedactedNarrative: On 10/16/2022, I was dispatched to investigate a call of a personal watercraft  (PWC) that had struck a SLOW SPEED/MINIMUM WAKE marker in the area of Palma Sola Bay in Manatee County.  Substantial damage was reported to the PWC and the marker.  No injuries were reported.  
  OP1 explained he was operating the PWC with an additional occupant.  OP1 was up on full plane, at an estimated speed of between 20-30 mph, and was approaching the SLOW SPEED/MINIMUM WAKE marker.  He stated he tried to steer away from the marker and the PWC didn't turn, striking the marker head-on.  OP1 and occupant were both ejected from the PWC.  Neither of them were hurt or lost consciousness during the incident.  Both were wearing Type II PFD's at the time of the incident.  The marker was snapped under the water surface at the mudline by the force of the impact.  Upon further questioning, OP1 admitted that he let off the throttle during the turn, thus making the steering ineffective.  He also admitted this was his first time on a PWC.
  