2-4
520 Express Series
520 Express Series
States Coast Guard issued a SAFETY
ALERT on August 28, 2001 that covers
some of the issues of improper use of the
boarding platform. The SAFETY ALERT and
portions of the accompanying information
follow:
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 feet (6.1 m), “teak
surfing” or “dragging” behind a moving boat
can be fatal. Cruisers Yachts is concerned
for the safety of all boaters. Cruisers Yachts
does not promote unsafe boating risks or
jeopardizing the safety of any boaters.
WARNING
DO NOT use the swim platform for
any other purpose than boarding
the yacht or preparation of entering
the water, and DO NOT use the
boarding platform when the engine
is running.
Carbon monoxide poisoning should not be
confused with seasickness, intoxication or
heat stress. If someone complains of
irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness
or dizziness, or you suspect carbon
monoxide poisoning, immediately move the
person to fresh air, investigate the cause,
and take corrective action. Seek medical
attention if necessary.
SAFETY ALERT From August 28, 2001:
The USCG advised boaters not to “Teak
Surf.” Some boating fatalities revealed
carbon monoxide (CO) from a vessel’s
exhaust resulted in CO poisoning and
death. “Teak Surfing” places the individual
in a 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 Surfing”
dangerously exposes the individual to a
possible propeller injury, and since it is
done without a life preserver (PFD), it
significantly increases the probability of
drowning. Therefore, the USCG stresses,
“Teak/Drag Surfing” is a very dangerous
activity and advises boaters not to
participate in it. The USCG also stated
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 important to the
USCG that in every circumstance it
should be avoided.
GENERAL WATER SPORT
PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT “Platform Drag.”
• DO NOT attempt water sports in
shallow water, close to shore or in
water where you are not familiar with
the depth or what is beneath the
surface.
• DO NOT attempt water sports at night
or directly in front of other boats.
• DO NOT attempt water sports near
swimming areas, beaches or personal
watercraft.
• DO NOT follow directly behind another
boat or skier without leaving an
adequate safe distance.
• DO NOT jump from a boat that is
moving at any speed, or enter or exit
the water when the engine is running.
• DO NOT approach the yacht from the
water if the engines are running.
• DO NOT “back up” to anyone in the
water.
• DO NOT approach the rear of the yacht
from the water while the engine is
running.
• Make sure the engines are OFF before
allowing anyone to approach the yacht
from the water.
• Make sure the engines are OFF before
any one enters or exits the yacht, swim
platform or boarding ladder.
• Maintain a safe distance of at least 100
ft (31 m) from all other objects,
including other boats, piers, rafts,
mooring and navigational buoys,
pilings, abutments or any other items.
• Make sure the engines are OFF if you
need to retrieve or pick up an article
from the water.
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