New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 79

Carbon Monoxide

Stray Current /Electrical Shock
Drowning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is created by the combustion
process in engines, gas stoves and space heaters, and is
emitted in exhaust. CO is odorless and tasteless, and very
toxic because it interferes with the body's ability to take in
and use oxygen. CO is heavier than air, so it will collect near
a boat's exhaust on the surface of the water. Swimming near
the stern of a boat while the motor is running is extremely
dangerous and may have fatal consequences. Swimmers
will inhale CO fumes and may lapse into unconsciousness,
and slip under the water. CO related deaths are often
mistaken as a drowning.

Stray current is electricity leaking into water commonly
caused from improper electrical connections on boats and
piers. Stray current can damage boats and equipment. It can
also seek out swimmers as a conductive path which can lead
to electric shock drowning.
Electric shock drowning occurs when swimmers are
exposed to electric currents in the water. These can be stray
currents or currents from a natural source, such as lightning
near or over the water. In some cases the shock itself can
be fatal, often causing paralysis in the swimmer, leading
them to drown. This tends to occur most often in fresh water
because dissolved minerals and impurities make it more
conductive.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, ringing in ears,
headache, nausea, lethargy and ultimately, unconsciousness
and death. Treat complaints of any of these symptoms
seriously. To treat CO poisoning, get the victim fresh air,
administer mouth to mouth resuscitation if necessary, and
seek medical assistance.

Unfortunately, you cannot tell if water is electrified just by
looking at it. If the electrical current is substantial, swimmers
may feel tingling and numbing sensations and should
immediately get out of the water. Never allow passengers to
swim in and around marinas as a precaution.

Never allow anyone to hold on to the swim platform while
the boat is in motion! This practice, called "teak surfing" or
"platform dragging," puts the person at risk for CO poisoning,
propeller injury, and drowning.

Review Questions
1.

When must you report a boating accident to New York State Parks? ____________________________________
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When are you required to assist another boater in distress?_________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

What should you do if someone falls overboard? _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

What should you do if fire breaks out on your boat? ______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

How can you avoid capsizing or swamping?_____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

What should you do if your boat becomes unexpectedly grounded? __________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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Answers on page 82

New York Safe Boating - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of New York Safe Boating - 2020