BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas you can’t see, smell or taste. CO is produced by anything that burns carbon-based fuel (gasoline, propane, charcoal, oil, etc.), including engines, generators, cooking ranges and heaters. CO spreads evenly throughout an enclosed space and is undetectable. Be aware when swimming from a boat equipped with pontoons. CO build-up can occur between the pontoons of a houseboat or a pontoon boat.

CO is inhaled into your lungs, cuts off the oxygen supply to your body and can kill in minutes. Be alert to flu-like symptoms which can include headaches, nausea and fatigue.

Operators of boats with fuel burning appliances, such as cooking ranges in houseboats, should be aware of the increased risks of CO poisoning. Swimmers or people being towed closely behind a boat with engines operating are also at increased risk of CO poisoning.