Carbon Monoxide in
Lake Havasu City Channel

Deadly air in Lake Havasu City's
Bridgewater Channel?

By Bobbi Holmes

      Lake Havasu’s recreational boaters have a history of staking out specific areas along the water’s edge, to gather together and socialize.
For a time it was Copper Canyon, a bay on the California side of the lake, south of Lake Havasu City. Copper Canyon became an infamous gathering spot, where hundreds of boats crowded in, and not only made it to MTV, but was pictured in National Geographic.  One feature of Copper Canyon that made it so tempting were the rocky cliffs used by some for diving. 
       Unfortunately, the rocks beneath the water’s surface have proven lethal for some. Deadly dives were not the only problems, there were safety issues brought on by intoxicated boaters, too much sun, and being unable to maneuver out of the bay, due to shore to shore watercraft. Over time local authorities discouraged boaters from gathering in this area in large groups.
      Undaunted, Havasu’s social boaters headed to new territories, this time the sandbar, north of Lake Havasu City. Once again, such a large grouping of vessels raised safety concerns, along with certain environmental issue, especially considering the area is part of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
       Closer to home, another gathering spot has been the focus of concern, the Channel.  This manmade waterway, created in the early 70’s when Robert McCulloch needed a place to put his newly purchased London Bridge, is a  popular  gathering  place for  residents  and visitors alike.  During swimming weather, boats  line the shoreline, and the atmosphere is party-like. Even those who don’t have a boat will head down to the Channel, to plant a beach chair and join in the summer fun. Yet, what some people are concerned about is the quality of air along the Channel, air that some claim has caused deaths. But how could this happen?   
       The exhaust emitted by boats and other watercraft contain high amounts of carbon monoxide. It is a deadly gas which interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. Mild exposure might cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and loss of concentration. Yet, the danger near water can be deadly, when dizziness leads to loss of consciousness, which can lead to drowning.
      It doesn’t matter how good a swimmer you might be, if overcome by carbon monoxide, passing out in the water can result in death. Which is why some are concerned over the high concentration of carbon monoxide in the Channel, due to the high number of boats in one area.
       Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, which makes it difficult for some to know if they are being exposed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide ingestion can cause loss of consciousness, and death.
       Help protect yourself and your fellow boaters by staying away from boat exhaust, turn off the engine when beached or docked, do not idle your boat to power your battery or play music, limit your stay in crowded areas where there are lots of boats and idling engines.
       At one time, when all ski boats had props, we would never imagine allowing our children to play near the swim step as the motor is running.  While there may not be a prop to avoid, playing so close to a running motor can be just as deadly.
       Some speculate that another contributing factor to the increasing levels of carbon monoxide in the Channel may be the construction along the waterway, boxing in the area from a free air flow. Personally, I enjoy the Channel. It is a great place to people watch, and meet up with friends and neighbors. Yet, since even one death is too many, we need to work together to minimize the problem, and understand the threat.