Stray Voltage in the Water
Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) is a drowning that occurs as a result of the person coming into contact with stray voltage flowing through the water. There are a number of ways electrical current finds its way into the water. Some of the more common are improperly wired electrical services to boat docks, frayed wires coming into contact with the water and improperly wired or poorly grounded boat lifts.
The most common source of stray voltage entering the water comes from your boat and jet ski lifts. Until the National Electric Code (NEC) is changed and those changes are implemented by state and local governments, here are a few tips to keep everyone safe from stray voltage in the water at your dock.
Additional information can be found in the ESD section of the Files Library
The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire/Rescue is actively seeking new members. Members can be firefighters, EMT's or simply someone that wants to help the community. If you feel that you have that calling to help others, that is the person we would like to speak with. Please drop us a note on this page or submit an application at Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue.
Remember, "MANY HANDS, MAKE LIGHT WORK"!