Detroit Lakes, MN – The Land of 10,000 Lakes is in the lead for most boats per capita.
Minnesota is the first state to require carbon monoxide detectors on boats.
Last October, a seven-year-old died in Minnesota when there was a carbon monoxide leak on her families boat while at Lake Minnetonka.
The grieving parents lobbied for a law to make sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else.
The bill passed in April.
“Obviously we have had something bad that had happened. Wewant to prevent that in the future. It’s something we can learn from,says Angela Warren, a conservation officer at Detroit Lakes.
Starting May 1, motor boats that have enclosed accommodation compartments are required to have carbon monoxide detectors and warning stickers.
The law is expected to affect about 8,000 boats, and at least 45,000 will need a sticker.
CO warning stickers are for boats with small resting areas, and should be in or at the entrance to any enclosed occupancy compartment.
The Department of Natural Resources says in Detroit Lake there are not too many boats affected by this, but it’s important to be aware of it.
Angela Warren says, “Up in this area we don’t see that many, there are a few around, larger areas down in the city, maybe up in the lake of the woods you see a little more of them but it’s still something we want to get out.”
A first violation will result in a safety warning, and a second will be a misdemeanor.
The importance of CO monitoring is hoped to become second nature even on the water.
Boating safety courses will also be required to give information on the dangers of carbon monoxide.