Teenager seriously hurt in collision on Lake CdA

Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies investigated two collisions Friday involving personal watercraft on North Idaho waterways, one in which a 14-year-old girl was sent to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The first occurred about 11:40 a.m. on the Spokane River near the Mill River Condominiums. Scott D. Williams, 53, and Jason R. Owens, 25, both of Coeur d’Alene, were riding on Sea-Doo watercraft when Williams made an aggressive turn with a large amount of spray, police said. Owens drove through the spray and struck Williams’ watercraft, ejecting Williams. Neither man was injured. The watercraft were towed to shore.

The other crash occurred at 2:50 p.m. on Lake Coeur d’Alene, police said. Two teenage girls driving Yamahas – a 15-year-old from Pinehurst and a 14-year-old girl from Coeur d’Alene – collided. Both had male passengers.

The 14-year-old was ejected and thrown against the other watercraft. She was transported to the Third Street boat launch and then to Kootenai Medical Center. Her condition was unavailable Friday night.

Neither accident involved alcohol. Both remain under investigation.

Law enforcement officers said personal watercraft operators should consider taking the Idaho Boating Safety Course from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 20 at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. For information on the free course, call (208) 446-2250.