On 09/04/2023 at approximately 1755 hours, I, Ofc. with Maryland Natural Resources Police was on patrol on Deep Creek Lake onboard marked patrol vessel NRP 881 when I received a call from Garrett County Dispatch for a boating accident, involving a Personal Water Craft (PWC), and individual with a possible head injury. The caller stated they were near a bridge, but were plotting near Green Glade cove. They were trying to make their way back to the Creamery, but Garrett County Dispatchers advised them to get the closest dock, so they could send Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The caller was able to make it. I arrived at approximately 1817 hours. When I arrived on scene, everyone was out of the water and on the dock. There were 5 people total, 2 injured, and 3 PWC's. 

The accident involved a single PWC, Maryland registration. Two occupants were on board at the time of the incident. 

A group were all cruising along the lake near the mouth of Green Glade and Turkey Neck cove, traveling roughly 40 Kph. Subject1 and Subject2 were in front of Subject3, when Subject1 tried to go over a big wave and lost control causing them to wipe out, and both individuals were thrown into the water. 

Subject1 had injuries to his face, and blood coming from his nose and mouth. Subject2 had a deep gash in her left knee. Subject2 stated that Subject1 was unconscious when they resurfaced in the water. 

Subject1 was confused and did not know what had happened. All individuals were wearing life jackets and their kill switches at the time of the accident. Subject3 stated that he grabbed onto Subject1's PWC for fear that it would float over him while he was in the water. They pulled Subject2 up onto the back of Subject3's PWC. Subject3 then hopped onto Subject1's PWC and pulled him out of the water. 

They called 911 and tried to head back towards the Creamery to Funtime Watersports, where they had rented their PWC's and where their family was waiting for them. Subject3 had blood all over his arms, and there was blood on the back of the PWC. The right mirror was also missing from that PWC. No other individuals were injured during the incident. 

Fire and rescue boat arrived on scene at approximately 1825 hours. Subject2 and Subject1 were both taken to Garrett Regional Medical Center by EMS. 

Information was gathered at Funtime Watersports. Subject1, Subject3, and Subject4 had all participated in the rental test and were cleared to rent and operate the PWC's. 

Pictures were taken and are attached to this report, along with the rental paperwork.

All events occurred in Garrett County Maryland.

On 09/10/23, I made contact with Subject2 to check up on their status, and she informed me that they were both doing well. Subject2 received 5 stitches to her left knee. Subject1 suffered a concussion and broke his nose on both sides. He also had deep gash in the bottom of his lip that received stitches. Both of them were admitted to the hospital that night but later released. Subject2 did say that Subject1's face hit the handle bars and when the resurfaced in the water he was conscious at first, but the PWC floated over and hit him causing him to lose consciousness for a bit. Then they pulled him out of the water.

Deep Creek Lake, Swanton
Swanton                       