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Walsh works with local
family to warn public about dangers of carbon monoxide from boats
Rep. Maureen Walsh,
R-Walla Walla, is working closely with a local family to pass a bill in
the Legislature that would warn the public about the dangers of carbon
monoxide inhalation from boats.
Walsh is the prime sponsor of House Bill 2899, which would revise state
vessel laws to educate the public through safety stickers and
informational brochures about carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We’re seeing unfortunate situations where people have been poisoned
through carbon monoxide inhalation from boats – ultimately resulting in
their deaths,” said Walsh. “This hit close to home as a beautiful young
lady from College Place drowned as a result of being overcome by carbon
monoxide fumes from behind a boat. I listened to her parents as they
told me about their tragic loss – a death that could have been avoided
if they were aware of the reality of asphyxiation from these dangerous
fumes.”
House Bill 2899 passed out of the House Natural Resources, Ecology &
Parks Committee but was never brought to the House floor for a full
vote. Walsh is not giving up, though, and hopes she can strengthen
Senate Bill 6364 though amendments.
Senate Bill 6364, a measure that would eliminate ‘teak surfing,’ passed
the Senate and is now being considered in the House. Teak surfing
involves holding onto a moving boat’s rear platform – often made of
teakwood – and letting go to bodysurf in the wake.
“If we can warn the public about this issue and protect lives in the
process, it will be an important step in the right direction. We can do
this by requiring boats to have safety stickers on the issue and by
distributing informational brochures during boat registration renewals,”
said Walsh. “While I support eliminating the activity of ‘teak surfing,’
we must go a step further because carbon monoxide poisoning is still a
threat to people who are not engaged in this activity.”
“No family should ever have to endure such a preventable tragedy,” said
Walsh. “My heart aches for the victims’ families, and I admire their
courage in sharing their stories. Their efforts could someday save lives
in our state.”
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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