Electric Shock Drowning - Everything You Should Know

Boating season is here and you've probably already spent time out on your boat or hanging out on your dock. Memories made at the lake are priceless and it's important to always keep your safety top of mind. If you swim near your dock, it's critical that you ensure your dock's electrical system is up to code. If electricity seeps into the water near your dock, it can be a fatal danger and result in Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). We take dock safety very seriously and today we'd like to share with you how to take preventive measures to avoid this tragedy. 


What is Electric Shock Drowning? 

Electric Shock Drowning occurs when electrical current, typically from your dock, travels into the water. Electricity can come from improperly wired pumps, lighting, improperly grounded wires, or even current from the ground.

When electricity travels through the water and a nearby swimmer is unaware, electrical current sends volts through the swimmer's body. When electrical current runs through your body you become paralyzed - which more times than not results in drowning because you can no longer stay above water.

How Can Electric Shock Drowning Be Prevented?

Electric Shock Drowning can be prevented if you keep safety top of mind and take the necessary steps in prevention.

Ensure Your Dock is Up To Code 

It's imperative that you ensure that your dock's electrical is up to code. You should have your dock inspected at least once per year, if not twice. Catalyst Electric makes this easy because we offer free dock inspection at the Lake of the Ozarks. Give us a call and we will come out of make sure your dock is up to code.

Call an Electrician Immediately if You Suspect an Issue 

If you even slightly suspect there could be an electrical current is running through the water near your dock, contact a certified electrician at the Lake of the Ozarks immediately. Catalyst Electric offers 24/7 emergency service, so you can reach us anytime you have an electrical emergency.

Your Boat Is Dangerous Too 

In addition to your dock, your boat can be another source of ESD. Never swim near your boat if you have the AC power or generator on.

Take Shocks Seriously

If you touch anything metal on our dock like your swim ladder, don't brush this off as no big deal. Call an electrician immediately. It's best to be safe than sorry.

What Should I do if Electric Shock Occurs? 

It's crucial that you take the necessary steps to try and prevent ESD, but sometimes accidents do still happen. Below are some tips to keep in mind if ESD does occur.

  1. If you feel a shock in the water, swim away from the dock and get as far away as possible. 
  2. Shout for help and warn others not to jump in. 
  3. Turn off the power to the dock immediately. 
  4. If you witness it happening, DO NOT JUMP IN! This will likely be your first instinct, but if you jump in, you won't be doing anyone any good because the electricity will begin to run through your body as well. Instead, toss a floatation device to the victim or push them away from the dock with a non-conductive object. 
  5. Once the victim is out of the water, take them to the hospital immediately. 

One of the best ways you can work to avoid ESD is to have your dock regularly inspected. Catalyst Electric offers free dock inspections at the Lake of the Ozarks and we find that 90% of the docks that we inspect have several code violations. Keep your loved ones safe and call Catalyst Electric for a free dock inspection! 

Quality Work With Integrity

 Catalyst Electric: Best electrician service at the Lake of the Ozarks  


1106 Runabout Drive
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
(573) 552-8488 -Phone
(573) 552-8248 -Fax

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