On August 12, 2023, at approximately 1455 hours, I, Park Ranger, was on patrol with Park Ranger at Cherry Creek State Park, Arapahoe County, State of Colorado, near the East Shades area when we were notified by Parks Officer that a PWC “Personal Watercraft” accident and medical emergency was called to the area near the Marina.

When we arrived at the Marina we were met by Marina and Rental Operator personnel and informed that the PWC accident was at the Lake Loop area. 

When we arrived at the Lake Loop beach area we saw a group of people crowded around a male, later verbally identified. OPERATOR1 was being treated by a friend with a towel compress on his eye/head and showing clear signs of a hyperextended knee injury.

Upon contact I reported to Parks Officer that OPERATOR1 was conscious, breathing, with a possible head injury, laceration to the eye area and an unknown leg injury. Further assessment of OPERATOR1 showed signs of shock and further potential injury or broken bones in his left leg/knee area. 

Park Ranger provided compression to the eye injury, stabilized his left leg and continued to provide reassurance to help OPERATOR1 with symptoms of shock. At this time we removed the PFD “Personal Floatation Device” OPERATOR1 was wearing at the time of the accident.

When asked what happened, OPERATOR1 stated that he was operating his PWC and attempted to turn too sharply into a wake that was too large and he could not remember what occurred after that moment. OPERATOR1 stated that the next thing he remembered, a passerby PWC stopped and pulled him onto his own vessel and brought him to shore where he began to receive treatment for his injuries. A fellow passenger on the passerby PWC was able to operate OPERATOR1’s PWC safely to shore. There was no damage to OPERATOR1’s PWC. 

Park Ranger and myself continued to provide treatment and assess OPERATOR1’s condition until EMS services arrived on scene. I went and obtained information off his PWC bearing Colorado Registration.

At approximately 1510 hours South Metro Fire & Rescue “SMFR” EMS services arrived, we relayed all information to them and began gathering information from potential witnesses and the PWC involved. 

SMFR transported OPERATOR1 to a hospital. 

We were clear for service at approximately 1520 hours

CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK
AURORA                        