Understanding the Risks of Electricity and Water

Electricity and water each present specific hazards, but when combined, the risks can become much more serious. By understanding the dangers associated with exposure to electricity in aquatic environments, we can better enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Smith Mountain Lake with confidence and peace of mind.

Identifying and managing hazards is essential for ensuring safety around docks and in the surrounding water. By being vigilant and taking steps to recognize safety risks, we help protect everyone involved in lake activities such as swimming and boating. This initiative-taking approach makes it possible to enjoy time at the lake with greater confidence and security.

One key precaution is being conscious of the possibility of electrical currents in the water. Listed below are a few ways electricity can create a hazard around our docks:

Outdated, faulty, damaged, or incorrectly installed or altered electrical services raise the chance of electrical current getting into the water.
Docks and boathouses lacking Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI receptacles and breakers) pose an increased risk.
Extension cords on docks or boats are hazardous since they can quickly fall or be pulled into the water.
Improper grounding systems for the dock and the electrical service from the main panel can cause electrical shocks, shock-related drownings, and could present a fire hazard. Electrical installations that do not meet Electrical Code requirements can be especially hazardous.

To help safeguard everyone swimming, playing, and relaxing in the water and around docks, consider the following precautions:

Always avoid swimming near and under boat lifts and cabling.
Never allow swimming or sticking extremities in the water near your boat or jet ski lift when they are in the water.
Never permit electrical cords to hang down into the water or become chaffed by mooring lines or metal dock components. Monitoring is essential since weather and water levels can alter conditions.
Never use or leave submersible electrical equipment in the lake without understanding proper grounding requirements, material conditions, and applications. That also includes never leaving an above-water portable electrical device unattended to fall in the water.
Instruct your children and guests to never reach up, touch, or hang on the metal parts of a lift while they are swimming in the water.
Raise your lifts completely out of the water when not in use.
When making repairs or service modifications, use an experienced and licensed electrician with dock wiring experience. Verify you are complying with our state/county and national electrical codes and regulations.
Make sure your family and guests know where your home’s and dock’s electrical service disconnects (panels and breakers) are located. Make sure all your breakers have accurate labels.
Regularly have your dock wiring inspected by a professional electrician.
Develop a plan to regularly inspect your dock’s wiring, lights, switches, electrical receptacles, and other devices. Remember that ice, snow, storms, wind, changing water levels, dock movement, and even wildlife can all cause wires, conduits, and other conductors to become damaged or fall into the water. With the lake water levels being low, current conditions may permit access under the dock to visually inspect electrical service installations.
If you ever suspect damage to your docks electrical service, always call a trained professional.