May 16-22 is National Safe Boating Week. This is a good time to remember, "If you feel a shock, swim away from the dock." It can help swimmers avoid an invisible hazard called electric shock drowning (ESD).
Outdated wiring and a lack of proper safety equipment on boats and docks can cause situations where electricity seeps or leaks into the water. It is a particularly dangerous hazard because it is impossible to tell by looking if water is energized. According to the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association, between 10 and 15 milliamps, which is just 1/50 the wattage of a 60-watt light bulb, can cause drowning. The association also reports that most ESD deaths have occurred in public and private marinas and docks.
Safe Electricity recommends that individuals do not swim around docks with electrical equipment or boats plugged into shore power. If you are in the water and feel electric current, shout to let others know, try to stay upright, tuck your legs up to make yourself smaller, and swim away from anything that could be energized. Do not swim to boat or dock ladders to get out.
If you suspect someone is getting shocked, do not immediately jump in to save them. Throw them a float, turn off the shore power connection, or unplug shore power cords. Try to eliminate the source of electricity as quickly as possible; then call 9-1-1 for help.
Safe Electricity, along with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association, recommends adhering to these steps in order to enhance water recreation safety and accident prevention.
- All electrical installations and maintenance should be performed by a professional electrical contractor familiar with marine codes and standards and inspected at least once a year.
- Docks should have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers on the circuits feeding electricity to the dock.
- The metal frame of docks should be bonded to connect all metal parts to the alternating current (AC) safety ground at the power source.
- Neighboring docks can also present a shock hazard. Make your neighbors aware of the need for safety inspections and maintenance. Marinas should comply with codes set by the National Fire Protection Association and the National Electric Code.
- Have your boat's electrical system checked at least once a year. Boats should also be checked when something is added to or removed from their systems.
- Boats with AC systems should have isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter (ELCI) protection, comply with ABYC standards, and be serviced by an ABYC Certified® Technician.
For more electrical safety information, visit SafeElectricity.org.
Article and image courtesy of SafeElectricity.org with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.