On July 4th, 2023 at approximately 10:55 AM, a Glastron GX 180 motorboat towing 2 skiers collided with the break wall at N Blue Point Trail, Effingham, IL 62401. Fire, EMS, Effingham Water authority, and Sheriffs Department personal arrived on scene and I was contacted at approximately 11:00 AM. I arrived at the scene at approximately 11:25 AM and spoke to witness. The land owner north of the accident location, Witness, was standing on his balcony and saw the accident happen. Witness heard the two skiers being towed yelling for the operator to change direction and let go of the towline shortly before the collision occured. Both skiers confirmed this on scene. EMS personel and Witness informed me that a female, Operator, appeared to be operating the Glastron and her friend, Passenger 1, was video taping the skiers prior to the accident. I met with Passenger 1 and Operator as St. Anthonys hospital in Effingham. Passenger 1 informed me that Operator had been watching the skiers with him prior to the collision. Operator admitted that she had been watching the skiers and only turned around after they left go of the towline. I also viewed the video taken just prior to the accident. Operator can be heard shouting instructions to the skiers and telling them to "bend their knees" multiple times prior to the recording ending.

On 7/15/23 I met with Operator and her father at their residence. I explained to Operator teh situation and issued her a written warning for careless operation.
Lake Sara
Effingham                     