Page 58 - Discover Spring 2021

Clubs and Organizations
C l u bs a nd Org a niza t i o ns

Electric Shock Drowning

How To Prevent This Dangerous Hazard

The term is “Electric Shock Drowning”. the risks and enjoy “Lake Life” by doing the
Stray voltage from anomalies in the electric following:
grid can find its way to the lake water through
- Never allow anyone to swim within 10 feet
the metal parts of boat and jet ski lifts. A
of a boat or jet ski lift when the lift is still in
swimmer of any age who makes contact with
the water.
electrical dock components
can complete a path for - “Teach your children (and
electrical current to pass guests) well.” Never reach up
through the swimmer; as and touch or hang on the metal
little as one or two volts parts of a lift when you are in
of potential is enough to the water.
paralyze. That paralyzing
- For all dock owners, keep
action may incapacitate the
your lifts completely out of the
swimmer, and prohibit the
water when not in use.
victim from letting go if they
are gripping the metal.
Special thanks from all to our
This hazard is prevalent Smith Mountain Lake Marine
around developed lakes and
Volunteer Fire Department for
ponds throughout the United States, and has
been encountered on SML. While the cause leading the charge on this one to protect all Smith
or causes are still being hunted down virtually Mountain Lake lives. SMLWSC
nation-wide by experts in the field, every dock
owner and renter can confidently minimize

56 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SPRING 2021