Milton, WI (June 20, 2025) – Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after a serious boat collision occurred Thursday evening on Lake Koshkonong near Royce Dallman Park in Milton. The incident, reported just after 5:45 p.m., involved a pontoon boat and a jon boat and resulted in one woman being hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to Lakeside Fire and Rescue officials, six individuals were aboard the pontoon boat, one of whom sustained a minor injury. The jon boat had three occupants, and one was seriously injured in the crash and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene included comments from a man identifying himself as the father of a young man involved in the crash. He reported that his son’s girlfriend was the individual seriously injured. “People need to pay more attention [to] boater safety,” he stated.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office, along with its Recreation Safety Team, Drone Team, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, responded to the scene and continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
Our thoughts are with the seriously injured woman and all those affected by this accident.
Boating Collisions and Safety Enforcement in Wisconsin
Lake Koshkonong is a popular recreation site in southern Wisconsin but is no stranger to boating accidents, especially during the high-traffic summer months. Collisions between vessels—particularly when visibility, speed, or operator awareness are compromised—can lead to devastating outcomes.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, operator inattention and failure to yield are leading contributors to boating crashes across the state. Boaters are urged to complete certified safety courses, always wear life jackets, and stay vigilant, particularly in multi-craft areas.
Authorities continue to monitor safety compliance on Wisconsin lakes and are expanding the use of drone technology and inter-agency response to improve emergency reaction times and incident investigation.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.