RedactedNarrative: SYNOPSIS
  
  A 14-year-old PWC operator was ejected from his vessel after striking a rock at Conchas Lake, N.M. He was evaluated for a possible broken ankle and released to his family for transport to a hospital.
  
  NARRATIVE
  
  On Saturday, August 14, 2021 at approximately 2:34 p.m., I was flagged down by a boater at the entrance of Boot Canyon on Conchas Lake, N.M. The boater told me that a jet ski has landed on a kid's ankle and that he can't move. I navigated to the back of Boot Canyon, where I located  the operator of Vessel A, Operator, who complained of a broken right ankle. He also had linear bruising along the length of his right-front thigh. With him was Passenger, the passenger of Vessel A, who was uninjured. Together we assisted Operator into my patrol boat. I transported Operator to the Bell Point boat ramp at Conchas Lake State Park.
  
  Before the accident, Operator was operating the PWC into Boot Canyon. The canyon rapidly narrows and becomes shallow (Photograph 1). The children didn't realize that it is shallow. At the head of Boot Canyon, Operator released or reduced engine throttle, resulting in little to no steering ability. The vessel struck a rock, ejecting Operator and Passenger. The vessel's momentum carried it over Operator's right thigh and right ankle, causing his injuries. The vessel's impact with the rock caused a crack in the bow molding and scratches to the gelcoat. The location and extent of injuries and damage appear consistent with the children's report.
  
  Based on my investigation, I am unable to rule out that (1) the operator's lack of experience, familiarity or knowledge regarding the vessel and location contributed to the incident, with a sub-contributor of off-throttle steering loss; and (2) excessive speed contributed to the incident. Neither child has completed a boater education class. Boot Canyon is a no-wake zone.
  
  I conducted a vessel equipment check. The PWC did not have a fire extinguisher, rope, paddle or bailing bucket aboard, despite undergoing a safety check conducted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rangers at USACE Southside Boat Ramp.
  At approximately 3:11 p.m. Operator was evaluated by RN Witness, who administered a compression wrap. Approximately 10 minutes later Conchas Dam Fire & Rescue arrived. At approximately 4:13 p.m. Operator was released to his great aunt, Owner, for transport to a hospital of her choice. I issued a citation to Owner, who is the registered owner of the PWC, for giving Operator permission to operate a PWC without all required safety equipment aboard.
  
  Audio recording file is associated with this report. End of Report.