SECTION : BOATING SAFETY
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SAFETY ALERT from August 28, 2001
The United States Coast Guard advised boaters not to “Teak/Drag Surf.”
Recent boating fatalities revealed that carbon monoxide (CO) emitted from
a vessel’s exhaust resulted in CO poisoning and the death of at least six
teak surfers. “Teak/Drag Surfing” places the individual in position directly
exposed to the CO in the engine’s exhaust. This may result in a loss of
coherent responses and even death. In addition, “Teak/Drag Surfing”
dangerously exposes the individual to a possible propeller injury, and since
it is often done without a life jacket (PFD), it significantly increases the
probability of drowning. Therefore, the Coast Guard stresses, “Teak/Drag
Surfing” is a very dangerous activity and advises boaters not to participate
in it.
The Coast Guard pointed out that carbon monoxide is one of the most
dangerous gases. It strikes before you know you are exposed and it impairs
in a way that can and too often does lead to death. That is why it is so
important to the Coast Guard that in every circumstance where it can be
avoided, it is.
Every year tragic deaths occur from the negligence of unsafe boating and
dangerous activities. Experts say, “many of these deaths may have been
caused by an invisible hazard, carbon monoxide poisoning.” Taking the risk
of swimming under a boarding platform when the engine is running, skiing
within 20 ft (6.1 meters), “teak surfing” or “dragging” behind a moving boat
can be fatal.
As a concerned Manufacturer we do not consider any dangerous activities
which can result in a serious injury or death a watersport. Your manufacturer
is concerned for all boaters’ safety and DOES NOT promote unsafe boating
risks, and STRONGLY recommends that boaters refrain from ANY unsafe or
dangerous activities. Boaters/users assume all risks for such actions.
DO NOT use the boarding platform for any other purpose than boarding the
boat or preparation of entering the water, and DO NOT be on or near the
boarding platform when the engine is running.
The boat owner, as well as all boat occupants, must ensure that they
understand the dangers of carbon monoxide and comply with all safety
recommendations/requirements. No one should be allowed to stand or sit in
any area of the boat that is not a designated seat while the boat is running.
GENERAL WATERSPORT PRECAUTIONS FOR OPERATORS
• Make sure that everyone knows and uses approved skiing hand signals
and common skiing courtesy.
CIRCLE BACK TO DOCK CUT ENGINE SPEED FASTER SPEED
SLOWER
SPEED OK
STOP TURN LEFT TURN RIGHT SKIER IN
WATER
SKIER O.K.
• Propeller strikes may cause serious injury or death.
• The operator should know the ability level of the skier/rider.
• The operator should look ahead before starting.
• The engine MUST be shut down (OFF) before a skier/rider enters or exits
the boat, boarding platform, or ladder.
• Observer in the boat should keep operator appraised of skier/rider
status.
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