Electric Shock Drowning – the invisible hazard in the water

Sept 13, 2022

Why is swimming not allowed at marinas? 

Most people assume this is to prevent swimmers from being injured or killed by boats. But there’s also another invisible hazard, electric shock.  Electric shock drowning happens when electric current leaks into a surrounding body of water and the water becomes energized. If someone enters that area of water, he or she could lose muscle control and be unable to swim to safety or call for help.

Boats with faulty electrical wiring that are connected to shore power may cause the water to become energized. Marina operators cannot be sure that each vessel that comes to their facility by water or by land is safe.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is mandated by the Government of Ontario to enhance public electrical safety in the province and is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC); licensing of Electrical Contractors (LEC) and Master Electricians; electrical distribution safety; and electrical product safety.

Electrical installations and equipment on or near docks that have not been properly installed or maintained, could energize the water and create a potentially fatal hazard. The OESC requires that electrical installations and equipment on or near docks must be installed with ground fault protection.

Always use an LEC with a valid ECRA/ESA licence number for electrical work and be sure that they file for a notification of work with the ESA or the .

For the safety of all users post signage around your on-the-water facility and explain to your customers and visitors, why swimming is not allowed. Equip the facility with life rings and non-conductive rescue equipment and include emergency “how to use” instructions.  All electrical installations and equipment near water should be checked regularly and maintained to ensure they are safe and comply with the OESC requirements.

For more information on electrical safety around docks, visit ESAsafe.com/docks