RedactedNarrative: On 07/31/21 at approximately 1630 hours FWC was on land patrol in Manatee County.  While such, I was dispatched to a boating accident involving one rented PWC from H2O Watersportz, and one center console open motorboat.  While in route, owner of H2O Watersportz explained to me, that one of his PWC’s hit a boat, that the operator of the PWC and the passenger were both injured, and that they were being towed back by the boat that they hit.
  	When I arrived at H2O Watersportz, manager informed me that the operator of the PWC (OPERATOR 1) and the passenger, his mother (PASSENGER 1), were taken to Blake Medical Center by their family members.  Furthermore, I was informed OPERATOR 1 refused to take the boating safety exam when the PWC was rented, and that both he and his parents were informed that he (OPERATOR 1) was not authorized to operate the PWC.   After verifying that the injuries sustained were not too severe, I spoke with the operator and occupants of the second vessel involved.  	
  	The operator, OPERATOR 2, was waiting aboard vessel FL 7531 RU, along with the owner and occupants.  After ensuring that there were no injuries sustained aboard this vessel and confirming that OPERATOR 2 was the operator at the time of the accident, I asked OPERATOR 2 to explain to me where and how the accident occurred. 
  	OPERATOR 2 explained that they were cruising south in the ICW and had just passed under the Manatee Ave. Bridge.  While passing a slower moving PWC along their starboard, his port, the PWC turned into him, striking the bow portion of their vessel.  OPERATOR 2, and all the occupants, agreed that the turn was sudden and unexpected.  OPERATOR 2 said he attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but it happened so fast, there wasn’t anything he could.  After impact, OPERATOR 2 turned his vessel around and provided assistance, helping OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 back onto their PWC, and towing them to H2O Watersportz.  
  	I then inspected both vessels; the damage matched the story that OPERATOR 2 and the occupants explained to me.  Low on the port bow of the open motorboat, there was a gouge, originating near the front and moving towards the stern, followed by striations and paint transfers.  On the PWC, it was clear that the starboard handle of the PWC impacted the bow of the boat causing the gouge.  After impact, both vessels deflected, the PWC more so, and the entire starboard side of the PWC was impacted.
  	I then spoke with OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 at Blake Medical Center to hear their version of what occurred.  Firstly, I recognized that both of their injuries were consistent with what I already understood.  The right wrist of OPERATOR 1 was fractured, due to the fact he was operating the PWC, and the right handlebar he was holding impacted the bow of the boat.  PASSENGER 1 mostly sustained bruising to her right hip and thigh and also hit the right side of her head on the boat.  OPERATOR 1 was able to explain very little, stating he could not remember the details of what happened.  However, both he and his mother stated the impact occurred after they turned towards the right, and that they never saw the boat until impact.  PASSENGER 1 confirmed that they were returning back to H20 Watersportz, and had just passed under the Manatee Ave. Bridge, utilizing the ICW.  
  	All accounts of the accident are consistent, and the damages to both vessels match my understanding.  OPERATOR 1 was issued a written warning for failure to maintain proper lookout.   Changing course within the ICW, without first obtaining an accurate assessment of surrounding vessel, I found to be the primary cause of this accident.; OPERATOR 1:	Operator of PWC fractured his right wrist and hit his
  