RedactedNarrative: The vessel was traveling east, turning northeast following the bank of the lake.  The operator stated they were approximately 15 feet to the left of the danger buoy when the vessel started taking on water.  
  
  The operator called Clinton Lake Marina for assistance.  Marina staff notified myself.  Marina staff responded with two boats while CPOT and I responded on land to Illinois Power Beach, the nearest access.  Upon our arrival, Marina staff had towed the damaged vessel to the launch and began pumping water out of the boat.  The operator of the vessel was transported by Marina staff to retrieve his truck and boat trailer.  The vessel was loaded on to the trailer and taken to Clinton Lake Marina for photographs.  CPOT completed a watercraft safety inspection and found the fire extinguisher was inoperable.  The operator stated he purchased the vessel the night before and had not yet transferred the title and registration.  The operator was issued written warnings for: Inoperable Fire Extinguisher and Failure to Transfer Certificate of Number.
  
  Conclusion:  During the interview with the operator, he stated he had taken no boat education classes.  When asked how many hours of operating time he had, he stated about 15 minutes, which was how long they had been out on Clinton Lake.  Due to his inexperience with boat handling and understanding lake areas and possible submerged objects, his watercraft appeared to have struck something from below the waterline and caused hull failure, therefore allowing water to enter and cause flooding.
  
  End of Report.