PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A jet skier was hospitalized after a boat hit him in Pinellas County Thursday afternoon.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said around 12:26 p.m., a southbound boat was traveling in the Intracoastal Waterway and passed 26-year-old Adam Kotz, who was driving a jet ski. Kotz was repeatedly jumping the wake of the southbound boat.
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At the same time, two other boats were heading toward Kotz's direction. The driver of the boat, 19-year-old Isreal Rodriguez said he did not expect Kotz to make a U-turn into the path of his boat.
Rodriguez told deputies that he quickly slowed down his boat to try and avoid Kotz. However, Rodriguez was unable to prevent crashing unto the left side of the jet ski and throwing Kotz into the water.
Rodriguez said he immediately stopped the boat and got Kotz out of the water. They then called 911.
Kotz was brought aboard a boat and they then went to the closest ramp, Jungle Prada at 1700 Park Street North in St. Pete.
Medical personnel said Kotz had serious but not life-threatening injuries and was transported to Bayfront Health St. Pete.
Deputies interviewed several witnesses during their investigation.
The investigation continues.
