Re: sail boats

hmmm???

I posted here about the *rules* (common sense) of swimming near an idling boat.

It's a shame that the girl didn't know any better.  I blame the parents, but the punishment doesn't fit the crime.  That's very sad, and all too common.

This is typically a lake/pond problem.  Folks thing that since it's freshwater and protected from ocean currents that swimming should be safe.

On a calm and windless day, the water looks so inviting, because it gets hot on the boat without the breeze.  The old folks are in the cabin with the AC running, oblivious to the water, and creating a low hanging cloud of toxic gas that covers the surface of the lake.

Kids swimming poke their heads above the water surface thinking they are getting a breath of air, but the CO that accompanies it is slowly poisoning them.  Pretty soon they pass out and... well that's all.  It looks like a drowning, and is frequently dismissed as such.

Some Rules:

When swimming in calm air/water come up early and often. Check for the following signs / symptoms...

Any sign of headache, dizzyness, GET OUT!!!

You won't see blue lips or fingernails, just the opposite -- if the water is cold and the kids aren't a little blue -- GET THEM OUT OF THE WATER!!!

You may not hear the engine that's running... look for it! Use your binoculars.  You have your binoculars on the boat don't you???