Vessel operator had three children riding in the forward deck inside the lower railing area of a pontoon boat.  There were three adults in the same forward area, two seated on two of three non-standard seats brought on board (high back patio chairs).  The remaining adult in the forward area was in front of the operator standing up with a foot on the live well seat.  Two other adults were sitting in the rear area behind the operator.  Operator was approaching the shore at a under 10 mph speed when the victim child either exited the boat via an open front bow gate or opened the gate herself and fell into the water in front of the boat.  Unable to stop in time the pontoon boat went over the victim child who then became entangled in the outboard motor propeller.  The victim child died at the scene.  Victim body was pulled into the area between the anti ventilation plate and propeller.  Vessel owner did not get the manual for this vessel and did not have a boating education class. vessel forward railing was 19" high.
Elephant Butte                