A weekend at the lake is a popular getaway this time of year, but it could easily turn tragic. One local family knows that all too well. Melissa Kennedy was killed last 4th of July at Perry Lake, and now her family is teaching others about boating dangers.

It was a peaceful day at the lake that ended in tragedy. "There were several different reports as to actually what happened, and we didn't find out until about 11:30 that evening," says Melissa's brother, Tim Walker. Melissa was overcome by carbon monoxide while swimming.

Her family says it's a silent and secret killer. "When you can't see it, and you can't smell it, how do you know it's there?" says Tim. "Most people, when they're outdoors, they don't think about the carbon monoxide," says Melissa's brother-in-law, Mark Chalmers.

That's why they're working to warn others of the danger. "It comes from boats running and generators running on houseboats," says McEnroe. Her advice is, never swim behind the boat when it's moving, and turn everything off when it's sitting still. "Carbon monoxide is heavy, and it sits there and accumulates," she explains.

If you are overcome by carbon monoxide while boating, keeping a life jacket on board will keep your head above water. McEnroe says over half the boating fatalities in the United States last year could have been prevented by life jackets. And with all kinds to choose from, they're more convenient than ever. "We try to keep our life jackets on and keep an eye on everybody else," says Mark.

Before the boat is in the water, make sure you've carefully inspected it for safety. "You need to inspect your engine, inspect all your fuel lines, exhaust hoses," explains McEnroe. She also warns, boating and drinking are a bad combination. "You've tripled your chances of drowning."

Melissa's family hopes no one will take a chance with a life, and become educated before boating. "Give them something to be a little more aware of, so hopefully this doesn't happen to anybody else," says Tim.

For more information on boating safety call the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at (785)640-4198 or visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website at http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us