The Truth About Electric Shock Drowning

Summer is in full swing here at the Lake of the Ozarks. Spending time on the Lake is some of the best ways to enjoy summer with your family and friends. If you love to spend your summer days swimming and hanging out on your dock, it's critical that you ensure your dock's electricity is up to code. Electric shock drowning can happen if electricity flows into the water and can potentially cause a fatal accident. Learn more about electric shock drowning and how to avoid it in today's blog.


How do Drownings Happen?


If water comes in contact with electricity, the electric current travels through the water because it needs to complete it's circuit and can be extremely dangerous to anyone in the water nearby. Electric Shock Drowning or Electric Shock cause the person's muscles to become paralyzed, making it impossible for them to swim. When this happens, it is often fatal. More times than not, the people nearby do not realize the water has been electrified and jump to the rescue. This is a natural instinct and well-intended, but it is usually fatal for the rescuer. Catalyst Electric wants to keep you and your family safe while swimming near docks. We have put together some situations where dock shock can occur and how to prevent it from happening to you.

Your Dock Has Faulty Wiring 

If your dock has faulty wiring, when someone touches the dock, they can come in contact with the electric current. To prevent this, contact your trusted electrician at the Lake of the Ozarks, Catalyst Electric to take a look at your boat dock. A properly installed Ground Fault Interpreter (GFI) can reduce the risk of dock shock happening. 

Medal Ladder is Lowered Into the Water 

If your medal ladder becomes electrified, when it is lowered into the water, fatal injuries can occur. The metal ladder can pick up an electric current from a number of places from the dock. For example, a faulty light switch could pass through the metal ladder and then into the water.

Jumping In to Save Someone 

Most people's first reaction is to jump in the water to save someone when they are struggling to swim in the water, especially when children are involved. It is easier said than done, but if you think the person in the water is a victim of electric shock, jumping in to save them will likely not end well for either one of you. Bill Young, Director of Marina Services for Morningstar Marinas on Lake Norman says there is a phrase, "Reach, throw or row, but don't go." (Read the full article here) Reaching or throwing something in the water may be the best chance at saving someone from electric shock.

One of the best efforts you can make to avoid a tragic electric shock drowning is to get your dock inspected. Catalyst Electric offers free dock inspections at the Lake of the Ozarks and we find that 90% of the docks we visit have at least a few code violations. Keep everyone safe this summer and call our professional electricians at the Lake of the Ozarks to inspect your dock and make any necessary repairs.

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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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

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