Carbon Monoxide - Dangers for Boaters
Carbon Monoxide is not just something to protect yourself from when you’re at home. This threat affects boaters every year, from speedboats to houseboats, it is a real threat with growing awareness:
From 1981 to April 2007, there have been 141 documented boating related CO deaths, and 651 non-fatal poisonings reported in the U.S.
doubleangel.org
Motorboats can release CO at very high concentrations. The CO can accumulate in and around the boat when idling, and can even be dragged behind the boat in what’s known as the “station wagon effect”. CO on houseboats can be released not only by the motor, but also by the onboard generator. Many deaths have occured on houseboats due to CO accumulating in cabins, and in areas around (and under) the boat where children often swim. Just take a look at this comprehensive listing from the Double Angel Foundation, cataloging boat-related CO poisonings in the U.S.
You can protect yourself when boating by following some CO Safe Boating tips. We have collected a list of articles from various boating organizations that describe how to keep yourself CO Safe when boating:
- A pamphlet from the U.S. Coast Guard. See the second page especially!
- More tips from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- An article on Boating and Boat Safety from CarbonMonoxideKills.com
- An article on The Risk of Carbon Monoxide, from Boats U.S.
- A brochure on Carbon Monoxide Dangers from the Double Angel Foundation.
We have also collected news articles relating to incidences of CO poisoning when boating. Links to some articles appear below, and more can be seen by visitng our CO In The News page:
Men overcome by carbon monoxide
Cape Cod Times (capecodonline.com) - July 5, 2008
BOURNE - Two men working inside the engine room of a boat were exposed to life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide Saturday, fire official ...
KOMU.COM - August 27, 2007
LAKE OF THE OZARKS - The Lake of the Ozarks has seen a record number of deaths involving alcohol and boating this summer. Yet, another subst ...
Reduce The Odds Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning When Boating
MedicalNewsToday.com - July 13, 2007
What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas produced when carbon-based fuels are burned. It is odorless, tasteless, col ...
When you’re boating protect yourself, and your family, with a Pocket CO detector:
- Easy to use, single button operation.
- Very loud alarm, and flashing red light, to alert you of dangerous CO levels.
- Digital display allows for monitoring of CO levels on and around the boat.
- Weights less than 1 ounce. Take it anywhere!
- Learn more, or order now.
