Teen girl seriously injured in Juno Beach boating accident

JUNO BEACH, Fla. - A day on the water turned into a very serious injury for a teenage girl at Juno Beach when she was hit by a boat. Paramedics rushed the victim to St. Mary's Trauma Center in West Palm Beach. A family member said the girl was still in surgery as of 6pm.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies said the girl was hit by a boat propeller not far from the Juno Beach Pier around 3pm. One of the victim's friends told NewsChannel 5 they were trying to get into a friend's boat that was still running at the time.

"A wave hit the boat and the propeller fell into her, pretty much," explained Kayla Pfeiffer. "She was behind it (the boat). We were trying to get on it."

Rob Rogerson, the training officer for Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue said fortunately lifeguards were stationed nearby.

"They were able to respond very fast and provide that critical care in a very short period of time," he said.

Rogerson says it's very important for boaters to stay clear of swimmers as well as for the boat operator to make sure the motor is off before anyone tries to get into the boat.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Marine Patrol are still investigating.