Vessel – 13’, Bombardier PWC, Fiberglass, Inboard, waterjet 230 hp engine

On 09/9/2023, at about 03:45 p.m., this vessel was cruising on Lake Merwin nearest the town of Chelatchie Prairie, WA in Clark County.

According to Law Enforcement, Operator1 was the operator and sole occupant of a PWC operating on Lake Merwin in light traffic when his PWC struck a large wave/wake. The force of the collision between the PWC and the water ejected Operator1 causing him to strike his head in the middle of the handle bar controls of the PWC prior to entering the water. 

Operator1 was pulled from the water by other boaters and taken to land where life saving measures were preformed prior to him being transported to the Emergency Department. Operator1 suffered significant head trauma and was admitted to the ED. 
Citation issued: 79A.60.030 Negligent Operation

1 Injury 
Alcohol Involvement: No
PFD: Yes
Vessel Operator Mandatory Boater Education Card: Yes

Lake Merwin
Chelatchie Prairie            