Finding into death of ANG

5y · Male·Complications of Immersion and Multiple Injuries in the Setting of a Boating Incident

A 5-year-old boy died from complications of immersion and multiple injuries sustained in a boating incident on Lake Eildon. While wakeboarding, the child was seated in the bow of the vessel when it decelerated. He leaned forward more than 17 degrees and fell overboard, becoming entangled in the propeller despite wearing a properly fitted PFD. Despite rapid CPR initiation by his father, he could not be revived after approximately 5 minutes of submersion. The incident highlights risks of bow seating positions during vessel deceleration, particularly when children are not in fully seated positions. Key preventive measures include ensuring children maintain proper seated posture in bow riders, practicing man-overboard procedures, reinforcing engine shutdown protocols, and considering installation of safety handrails on high-risk areas of vessels.