Axis A20 Manual page 11

1-2 Boating Safety
The precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive. If a procedure
or method is not specifically recommended, you must satisfy yourself that it is safe for
you and your passengers, and that the boat will not be damaged or made unsafe as a result
of your decision. Remember — always use common sense when operating
your boat!
In an emergency situation, you may have to resort to measures which are not commonly
practiced. Always assess the dangers of being in harm's way versus the protection of
equipment. Keep a sound mind during an emergency and always think safety.
Teak/Drag Surfing
READ, UNDERSTAND and be FAMILIAR with the information contained on any
warning labels or any label on equipment and adhere to the boat operation practices
described on them. The United 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 ft (6.1 meters), "teak surfing" or
"dragging" behind a moving boat can be fatal.
Any dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death is not considered a
watersport by Axis Wake Research. Axis Wake Research DOES NOT promote unsafe
boating risks or jeopardizing any boater's safety.
DO NOT use the boarding platform for any other purpose than boarding the boat or
preparation of entering the water, and DO NOT use the boarding platform when the
engine is running.
SAFETY ALERT From August 28, 2001:
The United States Coast Guard advised boaters not to "Teak/Drag Surf." Recent boating
fatalities revealed that carbon monoxide (CO) emitted from a vessel's exhaust resulted in
CO poisoning and the death of at least six teak surfers. "Teak/Drag Surfing" places the
individual in 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/Drag Surfing"
dangerously exposes the individual to a possible propeller injury, and since it is done
without a life jacket (PFD), it significantly increases the probability of drowning.
Therefore, the Coast Guard stresses, "Teak/Drag Surfing" is a very dangerous activity
and advises boaters not to participate in it.
The Coast Guard pointed out 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 so important to the Coast Guard that in every
circumstance where it can be avoided, it is.