An 11-year-old girl died while boating in Wisconsin’s Lake Alexander after she fell from the boat and drowned. However, new information suggests her cause of death is more complicated than originally thought. Sadly, the girl suffered from carbon-monoxide poisoning, which caused her to pass out and fall from the boat in an unconscious state. Now, officials are warning the boating community about the hidden dangers of this recreational activity.
The Merrill Fire Department shared updates about the tragic situation on Facebook, along with a word of warning to boaters: Carbon monoxide kills.
“The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to take a moment to educate the boating public on this little known hazard,” the press release states. “Although it is not a common event, there are numerous documented incidents of boats moving at slow speeds for extended periods of time allowing Carbon Monoxide to build up in, and around, a watercraft. [. . . ] Boaters should remain aware of wind conditions and cognizant of this potential hazard.”
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As a reminder, carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and can be fatal.
The CDC lists the most common symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
See the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office’s press releases about the young girl who died while boating below:
Learn more about carbon monoxide while boating here.
Header stock image of a boat on Wisconsin’s Fox River by Cavan Images/Getty Images