The Arizona departments of Health Services and Environmental Quality are warning boaters about a silent killer – carbon monoxide.

With the arrival of boating season, the agencies are urging owners of houseboats and recreational boats to take steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We’ve had too many tragedies from carbon monoxide poisoning – and the fact remains that virtually all of these injuries and deaths are preventable,” Arizona Department of Health Services Director Catherine Eden said.

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens said boaters can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death by simply educating themselves and their passengers about carbon monoxide.

“Clearly more needs to be done to educate boaters about the risks posed by carbon monoxide poisoning,” Owens said. “Otherwise, we will continue to see these tragic, preventable accidents.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services first warned of carbon monoxide dangers on houseboats in 2000, but officials now are focusing attention on ski boats. The new concern was raised by incidents on Lake Havasu and other Arizona lakes involving ski boats and carbon monoxide poisoning. Deaths related to ski boats and carbon monoxide also have been reported in 26 other states.

Dr. Robert Baron, Medical Director for Medics at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of incidents at or near the back of ski boats. Nationally, 42 people have been poisoned while on the boat platform; of those, 17 died and 14 lost consciousness.

“The exhaust pipes of these boats produce the equivalent of 188 cars pumping all their exhaust into that one spot,” Baron, a Phoenix emergency room physician, said. “You shouldn’t be anywhere near the exhaust pipes when the boat is running.”

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic, odorless and colorless gas produced by boat engines, generators, and stoves. It can accumulate inside engine compartments, and pool in deadly concentrations outside the boat as well – around engine and generator exhaust outlets, under and around swim platforms, and even in an open cabin when conditions are right.

In ski boats, high concentrations are found around decks, where youngsters like to “teak surf” – a practice in which individuals hold onto the swim platform while the boat is underway. This puts the individual in the path of the vessel’s exhaust – and propellers -- and exposes them to deadly levels of carbon monoxide.

Also, boaters should be especially careful when they anchor or ride along side one another. Deadly fumes can waft from other vessels. Carbon monoxide also can pool in the back of a boat when the boat is moving at slow speeds, creating a back draft that brings noxious fumes into the open cabin.

To avoid problems:
 ·        Don’t swim near or under the back deck or swim platform. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented.

·        Don’t allow teak surfing, dragging or water-skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft.

·        Assign an adult to watch when anyone is swimming or playing in the water.

·        Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces.

·        Don’t confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication or heat stress. If someone complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause, and take corrective action. Seek medical attention if necessary.

·        Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check detectors before each trip to make sure they are functioning properly.

·        Don’t idle, especially when people are on or near the rear swim platform.

·        Wear life jackets.