PHOENIX - Authorities are investigating carbon monoxide
poisoning as the cause of the near drowning of two
people at Lake Pleasant in Maricopa County this past
Sunday. This has prompted the Arizona Game and Fish
Department to deliver a warning about this dangerous
boating hazard. Since 1998, four people in Arizona have
died from carbon monoxide-related watercraft incidents.
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is formed by incomplete
combustion of any fuel, including gasoline, kerosene,
wood, coal, oil, natural gas or charcoal. Sources on a
boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking
ranges and space heaters.
"Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it is an
odorless, colorless gas," said Game and Fish Boating
Safety Education Program Manager Ed Huntsman. "All boat
engines produce carbon monoxide and boaters across the
country are killed every year because of improper cabin
ventilation, poorly maintained equipment and careless
behavior."
Dangerous or deadly fumes can accumulate in confined
spaces on boats, near stern ladders and under swimming
platforms. Swimmers and water-skiers behind running boat
engines face the greatest risk of exposure to exhaust
fumes, which can build up to deadly levels. Boats emit
up to 188 times the carbon monoxide that cars do.
Boaters should be aware of the threats posed by
carbon monoxide and take the following steps to avoid
them:
- install a battery-powered carbon monoxide
detector;
- never operate watercraft at any speed or run idle
under anchor while a person is occupying or holding
onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim
ladder;
- schedule regular engine and exhaust system
maintenance;
- educate all passengers about carbon monoxide
poisoning.
"You do not have to be inside the boat to be at
risk," Game and Fish Boating Law Administrator Kevin
Bergersen said. "Boaters have died from exposure on the
swim platforms of their boats and in other areas where
carbon monoxide exhaust may accumulate or be emitted. Be
aware of the early symptoms like irritated eyes,
headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness."
Several carbon monoxide deaths in the United States
over the past several years have involved outdoor
activities other than boating. Hunters and campers can
be at risk of carbon monoxide exposure if they use
portable heaters in enclosed spaces like campers and
tents.
To learn more about how you can prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning on recreational boats and other ways
to stay safe, visit
azgfd.gov.
July
2006