DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:01 p.m.
INCIDENT: Minor Injury Boating Accident
LOCATION: Colorado River just north of Rainbow Beach
SUMMARY: On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 3:01 p.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station's Marine Enforcement Unit responded to an injury boating accident on the Colorado River just north of Rainbow Beach in the City of Needles, CA.
A 2006 Kawasaki Personal Watercraft, was traveling down river near the California shore line at an unknown speed, and collided with a rock bar near the California shoreline. As a result of the collision, the operator sustained several lacerations to his head and body. The operator was transported to the Colorado River Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Alcohol was not determined to be a factor of the accident.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is dedicated to providing a safe boating atmosphere for the public and urges everyone to boat sober and wear their life jackets. For more information regarding safe boating practices, visit the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways web site at www.dbw.ca.gov.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy E. Nilsen of the Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call or text "REPORT" to the WE-TIP HOTLINE at (844) 909-3096. Individuals may also leave anonymous information online using the We-Tip website link: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Facebook and Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or X at: @CORiverStation.
Refer: Deputy E. Nilsen
Station: Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252600124
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
