A 25-year-old Clarkston man is in critical condition, paralyzed from the neck down, after he dove off a boat and into a sand bar in about three feet of water on Lake Orion on June 27.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Marine Division said the incident occurred at about 4 a.m., and that alcohol was involved.
‘The Clarkston resident and about five friends were on a 24-foot powerboat,? said OCSD Sergeant Dan Toth of the Marine Division. ‘They were stopped near a sand bar at the west end of the lake, when the man dove into 2 1/2 to 3 feet of water.?
Toth said the Clarkston man struck his neck on the sand bar, resulting in paralysis from the neck down.
‘He was at home on leave from the Coast Guard, where he is stationed in San Diego,? said Toth. ‘He was able to call out after the accident, and his friends got him on a board.?
Toth said so far it appears there is no criminal violation involved in the incident, just ‘some very poor judgment and alcohol.?
He said it is easier for this type of incident to occur than most people might think.
‘We see alcohol or a lack of a flotation device a lot,? he said. ‘This man may have drowned if it had been in deeper water.
‘We want to remind everyone that unless you’re anchored, the boat will move,? said Toth. ‘Never jump in head first. The water could be 12 feet on one side of the boat, and 3 feet on the other.?