On October 2, 2023, Cpl and I, Game Warden responded to a boating incident on Lake Hartwell (water of the State). The call came in as two jet skis struck each other.  Upon arrival to Hartwell Marina, I met with individual who works for Hartwell Marina and he advised it was a Jon boat that was involved in the incident and not jet skis.  He took me to the vessel and showed me where the transom was bent. This appeared to be the only damage to the vessel.  

After speaking to Operator he advised his friend and he had been fishing on Lake Hartwell and ran onto a shoal causing him to lose control of the tiller steer motor, ejecting both subjects into the water. He stated that the boat kept circling them and struck Victim on the shoulder and head.  A passerby saw them and were able to get their boat stopped and help both boys back into their boat.  Operator advised Victims grandmother picked them up and dropped Operator off at home then left to take Victim to the hospital at St. Mary's Hospital in Lavonia to be checked out due to the skeg hitting him on the shoulder and head.

Cpl advised he would be en route to the hospital and wait for my arrival.  We met in the parking lot and began to walk in the hospital when Victim's grandfather was walking out and we spoke briefly to him. His account of what happened coincided with Operators story.  He was given staples along the left side if his head and between his left shoulder and neck.  

I met with Operator's mother on October 5, 2023 and issued her one citation for allowing underage person to operate an improper vessel. She understood and told me her son is working on completing boater education course and will have it done before operating again.  Nothing further is needed for this incident and this matter is considered closed.

Lake Hartwell
HARTWELL                      