Electric shock drowning: Little known, but deadly

Sometimes referred to as a silent killer, electric shock drowning is a danger that’s often overlooked but is believed to be the cause of numerous deaths.

The Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association says ESD happens when a low level of AC current electricity passes through the body with enough power to cause muscle paralysis. The victim is unable to move, which results in drowning. Sometimes, when people try to help the victim by jumping in the water, they themselves are at risk of ESD. If the electricity present in the water is high enough, not only will paralysis occur, but electrocution.

“Although electric shock drowning can occur virtually in any location where electricity is provided near water, the majority of electric shock drowning deaths have occurred in public and private marinas and docks,” the association notes. It adds that the victim of ESD is most often a child swimming near a marina or dock that has electricity either from wiring on the dock or marina or from nearby boats connected to the power source.

“Would you consider stepping into a bathtub or swimming pool with a hairdryer?” the association asks. “Think of the boat as the hairdryer. If an electric fault occurs on a boat while it is connected to a marina’s or dock’s shore power and the boat or marina is not properly wired to meet current (American Boat and Yacht Council) and (National Fire Protection Association) standards, the water surrounding the boat will become electrified.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has banned the use of submersible electric pumps at their reservoirs due to this safety concern.

ESD is referred to as a “silent killer” because there is usually no visible warning sign, the ESDPA notes. Also, many times the victim does not immediately feel the electricity when entering the water. If the electricity enters the water from a boat, the power surge may only occur when an electrical device aboard the boat is switched on. That means that water which seems safe can quickly become deadly.

Public awareness of ESD has been low until recent years. Increasing awareness of the concern can help people recognize the signs and prevent the problem, or quickly shut off power sources when necessary.

The ESDPA says there are likely many instances in which a person drowned when ESD took place. However, unless a witness is close enough to experience the sensation of electricity, the death has frequently been labeled a common drowning.

“In the vast majority of electric shock drownings, the victim’s autopsy shows no signs of electrical injury and investigators often never learn that electricity was the cause of the drowning,” according to the ESDPA.

The US Sailing Association indicates that the threat of ESD has greatly increased in recent years. “ESD is a relatively new problem, given that 20 years ago very few docks were powered,” the association noted. “Given the prevalence of electric boat lifts, lights, and shore-power connections on docks of all sizes and at nearly every marina, the risk of ESD is real today. In the (1980s) it was commonly considered safe to dive off a dock without a thought of ESD. Today, the common summertime activity of swimming off a dock or diving under a boat can result in tragedy.”

Boating magazine suggests having a certified marine electrician check your dock or boat to determine if there are any dangers present. The US Sailing Association notes that faulty wiring is a major cause of an electric shock drowning, and recommends people have an American Boat and Yacht Council certified electrician perform all boat wiring.

Other tips for staying safe include:

• Avoiding swimming in the water near marinas, docks or boatyards that are powered by 120-volt electrical energy.
• Talking to marina owners and operators about the dangers of ESD. Asking if ground fault circuit interrupters are installed on shore power pedestals and marina wiring circuits. Asking if the marina is regularly inspected by qualified electricians who follow National Fire Protection Association codes.
• Simply being aware of the dangers, and discussing them with others.

According to the ABYC, the most common causes of electrical issues in boats are related to electric water heaters, old battery chargers in which internal insulation has diminished and improper wiring by someone who is unfamiliar with the differences in wiring methods between marine and land-based electrical work.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association further recommends:

• Not entering the water when launching or loading your boat.
• Maintaining a distance of at least 10 feet between your boat and nearby power lines.
• If you feel a tingle while swimming, get out of the water as soon as possible, and avoid metal objects, such as ladders.
• Only use shore or marine power cords, plugs, receptacles and extension cords that have been tested by a national laboratory.
• Avoiding the use of cords that are frayed, damaged or have altered prongs.
• Staying out of water when turning on electrical devices or switches.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association also notes that ESD can happen in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, and recommends having an electrician inspect and upgrade power sources to comply with local codes and the National Electric Code.

For more on ESD, go here.