Operator fell off PWC, striking head on PWC and causing laceration.
Vessel 1, an 11ft Sea Doo Personal Watercraft was being operated by OP1, in the area just south of the Crystal River Channel, west of Shell Island. According to statements provided by OP1 and a witness riding another PWC, OP1 was doing "doughnuts" and "figure eight" style turns when he was ejected from the PWC, while hitting his own wake during a left turn. OP1 stated that while falling off of the PWC, he struck the metal jet housing and received a laceration across his forehead. OP1 informed me that he was wearing his kill-switch lanyard and a personal flotation device during the event. After getting back onto his PFD, he rode to the Crystal River Buffer Preserve, where EMS transported him to the hospital for treatment. After conducting an investigation into the accident, it is determined that the cause of the accident is due to careless/reckless operation of the PWC by OP1. The manner of operating a vessel on plane while turning the vessel into tight circles solely for the purpose of recreation and jumping wake, increases the risk for an operator to be ejected from a vessel for maneuvers which are detrimental to safe operation. ; OP :Subject recieved laceration to forhead. Transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center by EMS where subject recieved stitches.

Crystal Bay
CRYSTAL RIVER                 