Parker Live News from the Parker Strip since 2009.
A man who was hit by a boat propeller on Sunday afternoon is recovering in hospital, according to Sheriff’s Boating Division deputies.
The man, who is military and stationed in Twentynine Palms, was apparently a passenger in a boat that was anchored near Headgate Dam, just southwest of BlueWater Resort & Casino. The rocks there are a popular place to jump from into the water, and the shallow sandbar is a popular place for boats to congregate.
According to Deputy Roger Rosado, somewhere around 2-2:30 p.m. they were trying to leave the area and pull the anchor. The man jumped off while the boat motor was running, perhaps in an attempt to help release the anchor from the riverbed, and the boat came around at trolling speed over the top of his head and struck him in the face.
CRIT Police, La Paz County Sheriff, CRIT Fire, CareFlight and BlueWater Security attended as the man was brought ashore at BlueWater Resort. The man was airlifted to hospital in Palm Springs. Rosado said he had lost a lot of blood, but was apparently able to walk himself to the helicopter.
The incident highlights boating safety, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that nobody is close to boat props while they are running, cutting the engine if anybody gets into the water around a boat. Jet boats and personal watercraft are driven by internal impellers and are not subject to the same level of scrutiny, but the incident serves as a reminder that all motorized watercraft are potentially dangerous and a high level of awareness is important.
Parker Live will update this article if we can get an update on the man’s condition.
I am glad hes ok…..but when me and my family or out on the river an I see anyone start there boat or jet ski well my kids or in the water were we are I will write your number down an call the sheriff
All the idiots need to go back to Havasu
That’s great news! Thank you
Probably drunk ????
Never jump in the water while the boat is running. Cut the anchor rope your life is not worth it
Back to Havasu? Pay attention to the article. It says he was a military out of 29 Palms. Where did you serve? Dairy Queen?
Scary…need to be aware of your surroundings!
Thank you for posting this article. We were at the marina when their boat pulled up and I had called 911 for them. I’m so glad he’s alive and expected to recover.
Thank you for posting this article. We were at the marina when their boat pulled up and I had called 911 for them. I’m so glad he’s alive and expected to recover.
Glad all is OK
Horrible accident. I am happy he survived and pray he will heal completely.