The owner could be fined $650 for failing to keep proper safety equipment on the boat and other offenses
Authorities in Maryland have filed charges against the owner of a watersports rental company five months after a 9-year-old New Jersey boy died after falling from a pontoon, according to a report.
Kaden Frederick, a 9-year-old Howell boy killed in a boating accident over the summer. The owner of the company that rented the pontoon to Frederick's family has been charged with negligence and other offenses. Kaden Frederick of Howell was struck multiple times by the pontoon's propeller in the water off Ocean City, Md. on Aug. 17.
Tyler Barnes, 33, has been charged with negligent operation of a vessel, two counts of failing to have required safety equipment on board, renting a boat lacking proper equipment and failing to keep records, according to MdCoastDispatch.com.
Barnes, who operates Ocean City Watersports LLC could opt to pay about $650 in fines instead of going to trial, MdCoastDispatch.com said.
Frederick was one of four people sitting with their feet dangling from the rental pontoon as it moved through Sinepuxent Bay, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Natural Resources Police said at the time. The boy fell into the water and went under the boat.
Two nurses, one emergency medical technician and two off-duty troopers who happened to be on a passing tour boat boarded the pontoon to attempt to resuscitate Frederick, who had already been pulled from the water by family members.
First responders also arrived but weren't able to save the boy.
The operator had taken a brief safety course at the rental facility before the group of 17 family and friends left the dock, but the person had limited experience, authorities said at the time. It is not legal for a person to sit with his or her feet draped over the edge of a pontoon in Maryland.
Maryland Natural Resources Police filed the charges.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.