Personal Watercraft Guidelines in Idaho: County sheriffs and deputy sheriffs are responsible for enforcement of boating laws in Idaho and county marine deputies may issue a negligent operation citation for these activities. The reason that wake surfing and teak surfing are considered negligent operation is for a variety of reasons including the potential for surfers to collide with the stern of the boat if the boat slows down or changes direction, the potential for surfers to fall and be struck by a propeller, and the potential impacts of carbon monoxide poisoning. Researchers have noted over 150 fatalities and over 800 poisonings for boating-related carbon monoxide incidents nationwide. If a county marine deputy feels that you are surfing in a manner that is hazardous a citation could be issued. For more information contact your local county marine deputy.

According to Captain Scott Evans, Chief of Office of Boating Safety for the U.S. Coast Guard, “Most boaters know that Carbon Monoxide (CO) is poisonous. They know CO can be present in their homes, so they install detectors. They know it’s present in a car’s exhaust, so they don’t run the engine in enclosed spaces like garages. Some even know it can collect in a boat’s engine space, and other interior compartments. But very few know that Carbon Monoxide can be present in dangerous concentrations outside a boat — around exhaust outlets, under swim platforms, even in an open cabin under certain conditions. The results can be dangerous, even fatal. “

The good news? CO poisoning is easily prevented through awareness — and a few simple steps all boaters can take. See http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/boating/boatersafety.aspx for more information