United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Education Department Electronic Library

Classroom 1

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and "Teak Surfing"

A recent fatality has prompted another warning about the effects of CO poisoning and its lack of warning in overcoming swimmers and others involved in water sports. A new form of body surfing has emerged where a person will hang onto the swim platform of a moving boat and then release to body surf the bow wave created by the vessel. This is referred to as "Teak Surfing" Not only is this dangerous, from the proximity of a person to the propellers of a boat, but it may also be fatal as the result of the high levels of CO that lay on the water behind a moving vessel. Vessels with I/O propulsion systems also discharge exhaust gases through the lower unit to reduce noise. These gases find their way to the surface of the water about 10 feet to 20 feet behind the vessel. This poses no threat to the occupants of a boat, but may prove harmful if not fatal to those that ride behind the vessel during "Teak Surfing"

An additional factor in the likelihood of drowning from this activity is the lack of any PFD worn when Teak Surfing.

An eighteen year old male recently lost his life during such an accident. Preliminary investigations have revealed that CO may have been a contributing factor in this accident.

This practice should be mentioned during PE classes, and all the dangers involved discussed. Teak Surfing should be discouraged, and labeled an unsafe activity that could result in the loss of life.

This material is National E-Dept approved for use with Public Education Courses.

Contact: Hugh Felger, BC-EMA
Branch Chief, Classroom 1 Editor

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This page last updated on Tuesday, 03 August 2004
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