WYOMING – Two recent accidents involving motorized personal watercraft, or jet skis, on Keyhole Reservoir have prompted Wyoming Game and Fish officials to encourage the public to exercise caution while recreating at the popular fishing and boating location.
The accidents occurred on July 7 and July 21. Both resulted in severe injuries to operators of the watercraft.
“The people involved in both of these accidents are very lucky,” said Sheridan Regional Game Warden Luke May, who responded to both incidents. “These were serious accidents with serious repercussions.”
In one of the incidents, a watercraft operator was arrested and charged for boating under the influence (BUI) and reckless operation of watercraft. The investigation of both incidents is ongoing and additional citations may be issued.
In addition, two other BUI citations have been issued on Keyhole in the past two weeks.
“Two major accidents and three BUIs in just two weeks is significant from a law enforcement and public safety perspective,” said South Gillette Game Warden Dustin Kirsch, who also responded to and helped investigate both accidents. “We want people to have a good time while recreating with their friends and family, but we also want everyone to be careful. Please just remember to boat safely, wear life jackets and slow down on the water.”
Several key factors can ensure your safety while on the water. Most importantly, choose to wear a properly-fitting life jacket, don’t consume alcohol while operating a boat and always follow navigation rules. Also, there are recommended boating safety courses available through the WGFD website.
