RedactedNarrative: Two people we cruising on a personal watercraft when operator lost control of the vessel and collided with a bridge piling. 
  
  The passenger and owner of the PWC advised me that himself and Operator were riding the PWC in Ohio-Bahia Honda channel.  When Operator tried to go under the bridge, he lost control of the vessel, striking the bridge piling, causing both occupants to be ejected.  He said that they were traveling over 25 miles per hour.  Both occupants were transported by a good Samaritan to the Sunshine Key boat ramp, were emergency services were called.  
   
  I then traveled to Fisherman's Hospital, in Marathon, to speak with Operator (victim/operator).  He advised me that they were traveling at approximately 40 miles per hour.  He stated that while he was trying to go underneath the bridge, he lost control of the vessel and collided with the bridge piling.  He said that he let off the throttle and tried to steer away from the object but could not.  Operator has no previous experience operating a PWC.  I obtained a sworn written statement from Operator.
  
  I issued owner a citation for improper display of registration numbers.  I also issued Operator a citation for careless operation of a vessel.
  
  Operator was treated for 2-4 fractured ribs and a bruised lung.  He was released later that day from the hospital.
   