Well Being Magazine

Entergy Warns of Electrical Safety Hazards Around Docks and Marinas

JACKSON, Miss. – As a part of its outreach and education efforts to promote electrical safety and prevent injuries and deaths, Entergy Mississippi provides the following recommendations courtesy of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFL.org).

According to Mara Hartmann, Entergy Mississippi spokesperson, most people are not aware of the dangers of electricity around docks, marinas and peers. “You should never swim near a marina or near a boat when it’s running,” notes Hartmann. “If you own a lighted dock or pier, you should inspect it regularly for faulty wiring or damaged cords or equipment that could cause the surrounding water to become energized.”

ESFL provides the following information about the dangers of electrified water.

Boating and Marina Electrical Safety Tips:

• There is no visible warning to electrified water.
• Electric current in the water causes muscle paralysis, which can result in drowning.
• As little as 10 milliamps, 1/50th the amount used by a 60-watt light bulb, can cause paralysis and drowning.

The 2017 National Electric Code now requires marinas and boatyards to have ground-fault protection to help prevent water electrification. Check to see if your marina and the boats in the marina, have proper GFCI protection.

If You See Electric Shock Drowning Taking Place:

• Turn power OFF.
• Throw a life ring.
• Call 911.
• NEVER enter the water. You could become a victim, too.

Comments are closed.