HAUSER LAKE-- On September 4, 2010, at approx. 3:55 PM, members from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department Recreation Safety Section and Dive Team, and members from the Hauser Lake Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, responded to a report of an injury boat accident on Hauser Lake.
When law enforcement and medical personnel arrived on scene they were told that Jeffrey A. Nevis, a 48 year old male from Sandpoint was on a tube being towed by a 18 foot open bow boat driven by Michael L. Vielguth, a 46 year old male from Spokane. The operator of the ski boat was attempting to whip Nevis around at a high speed, and as a result of the wind and waves, Nevis was thrown off the tube and hit the water. Nevis was unable to move and said he felt like he broke his back. Occupants of the boat immediately jumped in and assisted Nevis, but were unable to get him into the boat or back to shore.
Marine Deputies, Dive Team members, and medical personnel responded via rescue boats to Nevis’ location where he was removed from the water and transported to an awaiting ambulance at the Hauser Lake Boat Launch. Nevis was then transported to Kootenai Medical Center by Kootenai County Fire personnel and is being treated for his injury. At this time, the extent of Nevis’ injury is unknown.
The investigation to this accident is still ongoing, but at this time alcohol was not a factor in the accident. Nevis was wearing his life jacket which prevented him from drowning.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department would like to remind all boaters that Idaho State Law states that when aboard a personal watercraft or while being towed by a boat (water ski, wake board, knee board, tube, etc.) an approved flotation device must be worn.
