On 7/31/2023 at approximately 1603 hours, I, Ofc. with Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call from Sgt., also with Maryland Natural Resources Police, informing me of a boating accident that occurred on Deep Creek Lake. The victim was taken to Garrett Regional Medical Center (Hospital) in Oakland, Maryland.

    When I arrived at the Hospital, the nurses informed me that the patient had already been released. The patient was 17-year-old. The hospital staff provided me with a contact number for victim’s father.  I made contact with father via cell phone and met them at their dock, in the Blakeslee community at Deep Creek Lake, for an interview.

Operator was the single and sole operator of a 2006 Sea-Doo personal watercraft (PWC), bearing PA registration. Operator was traveling roughly 35 mph in the main body of Deep Creek Lake near Brenda's Pizza, when a rogue wake came from the left side, hit the PWC causing it to rock to the right then back to the left, throwing Operator into the water, injuring his left shoulder and ribs. 

No other family members were present at the time of the accident. The accident happened around 11:00 am. Due to his pain, his parents decided to take him to the hospital.

Operator had a valid temporary boating license. He was also wearing the kill switch and a type III personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident. The hospital took X-rays, of his left shoulder and ribs. There were no signs of bruising, and he did not lose consciousness. 

Pictures are attached to this report. 

All events occurred in Garrett County, MD

Deep Creek Lake
Swanton                       