Two Jet Ski Accidents Land Two In The Hospital - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

Two Jet Ski Accidents Land Two In The Hospital

GEORGETOWN, Del. - Two people have been charged in connection with two unrelated jet ski accidents.

A man has been charged with a felony after hitting a bystander with a jet ski. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement report that on August 3rd, Keith Purdy, 56, of Lewes, was riding a jet ski, when he hit someone that was standing on a sandbar. The victim was rushed to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, with non-life threatening injuries. Purdy was charged with 1st degree felony assault with a vessel, operating under the influence, excessive speed within 300 feet of a swimmer, along with other related offences, and was released on bond pending a later court date.

DDFWE says that on August 4th, Michael Martin, was riding a jet ski near Gull Point, Indian River, when he collided with another jet ski, causing the other driver to be taken to Beebe Medical Center with serious injuries. Martin was charged with negligent operation of a vessel, no boating education certificate, and other related offences. There is an August 11th court date is set.

Delaware Boating Safety Office gives the following suggestions to avoid these situations.

• In congested areas, jet ski operators should slow down, and keep a lookout for other vessels and other possible hazards to themselves and others
• PWCs have no brakes and operators are expected to allow plenty of room for stopping or maneuvering.
• Releasing the throttle or shutting off the engine results in no steering control.
• Jumping the wake of another boat or riding too close to another PWC or boat creates safety risks and, depending on the location, is restricted or prohibited in Delaware.