On May 25, 2023 at approximately 20:00 hours, Corporal and I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division received a call from a Sheriff's Deputy about someone they had just pulled over.  The person they pulled over informed them that they were on the way to the hospital because of a pwc accident on Lake Lanier. I arrived at the Emergency room at Northeast Georgia Medical Center at approximately 20:30 hours and interviewed the Victim. The victim informed me that she was riding on the back of a PWC and didn’t know what happened. I was able to meet with the people that brought her to the hospital. They informed Cpl. and I that they did not know the other operator well at all and didn’t know his last name. After more questioning, Operator1 admitted that he did know who the other operator was but was told to lie about who they were.

After obtaining written witness statements from Operator1 (operator of V1), Corporal and I went to operator of V2’s house to obtain a witness statement and to question him further. Witnesses stated that operator of V1 was following operator of V2 around a bend. The victim lost her grip and fell into the water as operator of V1 was coming around the bend behind them and struck the victim with V1 while she was in the water. Operator of V2 came around and got her out of the water and operator of V1 and V2 went back to the boat ramp and operator of V1 and his passenger took the victim to the hospital while operator of V2 put V1 and V2 back on the trailer.

After speaking with the victims father, she might require some minor cosmetic surgery, but the victim is expected to be okay.

	Operator of V1, was issued 3 citations. The citations include: Reckless Operation of a Vessel or Other Water Device, Failure To Meet Boating Education Requirements, and Interference With Performance of a Rangers Duties. 
	Operator of V2, was issued 2 citations. The citations include: Failure To Meet Boating Education Requirements, and Operating Vessel With Expired Registration.

Lake Lanier
GAINESVILLE                   