Intoxicated Boater’s Dangerous Escape: Abandons Jet Ski to Avoid Collision with Child-Ridden Vessel

A boating incident on Saturday led to injuries when a man, impaired by alcohol, leapt off his rented jet ski just before a collision, injuring two children, one critically.

As reported by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Daniel Patrick Grubert was engaged in a race with another jet ski rider near Johns Pass. Investigators revealed that Grubert was not paying attention to his path, as he was distracted and not looking forward.

Upon realizing an impending crash, Grubert jumped off his WaveRunner, leaving it to collide with a jet ski operated by Walter Wodzien.

The Madeira Beach Fire Department quickly responded, rescuing Wodzien and two children, aged 7 and 8, from the water. The children were transported to a nearby hospital, where one is suffering from life-threatening injuries. Wodzien did not sustain any injuries.

Wodzien and the two children — a 7-year-old and and 8-year-old — were rescued from the water by the Madeira Beach Fire Department. The children were rushed to a local hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. Wodzien was not injured.

Investigators said Grubert “showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on Field Sobriety Tests.” According to a probable cause affidavit, he told officers he had a single Twisted Tea but refused to take a breath test. Police said he smelled of alcohol, had red eyes, and “thick speech.”

Blood draws were taken, and investigators are awaiting the results of those.

Grubert was charged with two counts of boating under the influence causing seriously bodily injury and one count of reckless operation of a vessel.