Fourth of July Safety Warning: Water Recreation and Electric Shock Drowning (ESD)

Avoid ESD

For Immediate Release

(217) 546-6815

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) –Independence Day is a good time to talk about water safety. Life vests, fire extinguishers, floatation devices that can be thrown in the water, and proper lighting are a few essentials for recreation in a pool or lake. But some people aren’t aware of one of the most dangerous and life-threatening hazards that can kill swimmers without warning. ESD, or electric shock drowning, can occur when electrical connections around pools, lakes, and other bodies of water are not installed or maintained properly.

“You should make sure that the dock area is safe,” says Erin Hollinshead, Executive Director of the Energy Education Council – Safe Electricity program.

“This means making sure electrical connections are properly installed and safely maintained,” she warns. “Your loved ones’ lives might just depend on it.”

Hollinshead suggests that boaters and swimmers inspect pool areas and docks for hazardous conditions. If you aren’t sure about the safety of an area, it’s best to find out if there’s been a recent inspection – or call a professional to evaluate. Any hazardous conditions should be repaired immediately to ensure the safety of swimmers, boaters, or anyone who might come in contact with the water. Even if you are renting or visiting an area with water and electric connections, it is important to notify the owner of any safety violations so that they can be fixed immediately. Improperly maintained areas should not be used for recreation.

While regulations might vary by location, the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that ESD can be prevented by regular inspections for ground-fault failure and by strict enforcement of the National Electric Code through frequent inspections of pools and docks.

Safe Electricity urges boat owners to have dockside electrical systems installed by professional electricians guided by National Electric Code, and to have these systems inspected regularly to avoid tragedy. Get more information and read about and watch a video on a real-life ESD story at SafeElectricity.org.

# # #

The Energy Education Council is a 501(c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within University of Illinois Extension and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at EnergyEdCouncil.org and SafeElectricity.org.