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Section 1
Carbon Monoxide: The exhaust from the engine on a watercraft
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is a colorless, odorless and
poisonous gas. Excessive exposure to CO can cause severe injury or
death. Follow this advice to avoid injury.
• Never “Platform Drag” by holding onto the boarding
platform or being dragged directly behind the watercraft.
This is where CO will be.
• Do not sit on the watercraft transom or boarding platform
while the engine is running.
• Make sure the engine is properly tuned and running well.
An improperly tuned engine produces excessive exhaust and
CO.
• If you smell engine exhaust do not stay in that position.
• Go to the United States Coast Guard’s website:
(www.uscgboating.org) for more information on how to help
protect yourself and others from the dangers of CO.
Tow Ropes: Tow ropes come in different lengths and strengths for
different activities. Make sure any rope you are using is suited for
that activity and that it is in good condition.
• Never use a rope that is frayed, knotted, unraveling or
discolored from use or being left in the sun. If a rope breaks
while in use it can recoil at the skier/rider being towed or
into the watercraft where it might strike passengers. Replace
tow ropes with any sign of damage.
• Never use a tow rope with elastic or bungee material to pull
skiers or riders.
• Rope should be attached to the watercraft in an approved
fashion with hardware designed for towing. Refer to your
watercraft manual for instructions on proper tow rope
attachment.
• Always keep people and tow ropes away from the propeller,
even when idling.
• If a tow rope should become entangled in a propeller, shut
off engine, remove the key and secure it in a safe location
before retrieving the rope.
• Tow ropes should be neatly stowed in the boat when not in
use.
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