Drowning Danger – Electricity and Water Never Mix
Two recent headlines highlight the hidden danger in natural bodies of water. A day at the beach can quite literally turn into a living nightmare. The sad reality is electrical currents are much more prevalent here, along the Great Lakes, given that natural bodies of water are the most susceptible and conducive to electrical currents.
In this recent case, 19 year old Evan Currie is being hailed a hero after he dove into the lake at a Put In Bay Marina to aid his father after the family pet fell into the water. Evan’s father went into the water to retrieve their dog and quickly came under duress. Unbeknownst to Evan, he jumped in to save his father and pet but was tragically electrocuted by an electrical current emanating from an electrical short.
Electrical related drownings are particularly unique in nature. Even if the electrical current is not sufficient to cause death or serious injury, the paralysis that sets in during the electrocution can be sufficient to cause a drowning.
Preventing Electrocution in Water
Pools are built in accordance to code that mandates safety factors to prevent electrocution from occurring. Marinas, docks and other water establishments aren’t quite as easy to police. Given the fluid nature of a marina, even if the marina electrical is up to par – Each and every boater than comes through may have his or her own electrical issues.
In the tragic case of Evan Currie, even though his fast thinking mother pulled the plug from shore power – It was just too late.
If the marina is found at fault, or if the boat maintenance was to be handled by a third party – negligence may very well be responsible for this tragedies.
A Simple Solution
Electrocution prevention is so simple, it is almost sad. Installing a circuit breaker near the water could help to prevent tragedies of this nature. When there is an overload of power or a short circuit, the breaker would pop and shut down the electrical current.
Routine inspections are also recommended for boats, boating equipment, docks, marinas and other objects that could potentially lead to electricity in the water. Alarm systems that sense electricity can also be used.
Electric Dangers Can Be Incredibly Difficult to Detect
Water emits no visible signs when an electric current is present. Furthermore, electrical currents can be intermittent – Meaning you may be able to enter the water and spend time there, without issue or warning of electrocution.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed as a result of electrocution at a boating dock, marina, yacht club or similar venue – You must contact my offices immediately. The only way to enact change is to hold negligent parties accountable, and change the standards of safety.
I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.
