Adult cited for allowing unlicensed operation following watercraft accident on Lake Martin
State officials have released an update following a watercraft accident on Lake Martin over the Labor Day weekend.
A 12-year-old juvenile was injured when a 2024 Sea-Doo 300 struck a causeway causing the juvenile to go airborne and land on a nearby roadway during the afternoon hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025.
After further investigation, Marine Troopers determined that the child was operating the PWC without a proper license.
Jennifer F. Hartsfield, 43, of Alexander City and the registered owner of the Sea-Doo, was issued an Alabama Uniform Boating Traffic Citation for Giving Permission to Operate a Vessel Without a License.
In light of the accident, ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers are reminding the public of Alabama’s boating laws, particularly those related to operator certification:
No one under the age of 12 is legally allowed to operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft such as Sea-Doos and WaveRunners.
Residents must be 12 years old or older to obtain a vessel operator’s license, but those aged 12 and 13 must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) onboard, capable of taking immediate control of the vessel.
Operators 14 years or older, once licensed, may operate alone.
The operator’s certification/license must be in possession while operating a vessel.
ALEA encourages all boaters and parents to review Alabama’s boating regulations to ensure safety on the water. The investigation remains ongoing into the incident.
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