On 6/24/2023 at approximately 4:10 PM, I Cpl. with the Maryland Natural Resource Police received a call from Maryland Natural Resources Police dispatch for a Person Water Craft (PWC) accident. Dispatch stated the individuals were currently at Fun Time Water Sports and EMS had been notified. I arrived at Fun Time Water Sports at approximately 4:14 PM. There I found a group of individuals in the lobby and one individual in the bathroom rinsing his hand in the sink. The individuals were later identified by their state-issued Driver's Licenses. The victim was identified. EMS arrived on the scene at approximately 4:20 PM and began treating Victim's injuries.

I spoke with Operator about the incident. Operator stated he had no experience operating a PWC prior. Operator stated that he and his friends were operating PWCs south of the Glendale Bridge on Deep Creek Lake. Victim was stopped on his PWC facing north and Operator began to approach facing south. Operator stated he approached Victim at approximately 12 miles per hour. He attempted to turn, but the PWC continued to go straight. Victim attempted to fend off the incoming PWC. In doing so, his hand was smashed between the two vessels. The port side of Operator's PWC impacted Victim's PWC on the port side.  A member of the party assisted Victim back to Fun Time Water Sports.

EMS transported Victim to Garrett Region Medical Center.  Hospital staff stated that approximately 1/4 of an inch from the tip of Victim's finger had been amputated. He also sustained a 1 1/2-inch laceration to his left thumb. Fun Time Water Sports provided me with Operators rental boater safety test. Operator was issued one citation for operating a PWC greater than 6 knots within 100 feet of another vessel. All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.

Deep Creek Lake
Oakland                       