Reduce risk of electrical shock

Never swim near a marina, dock or boatyard, or near a boat while it’s running.

While in a pool, hot tub or spa, look out for underwater lights that are not working properly, flicker or work intermittently.

If you feel a tingling sensation while in a pool, immediately stop swimming in your current direction. Try to swim in a direction where you had not felt the tingling. Exit the water as quickly as possible; avoid using metal ladders or rails. Touching metal may increase the risk of shock.

When installing a new pool, hot tub or spa, be sure the wiring is performed by an electrician experienced in the special safety requirements for those types of installations.

Have a qualified electrician periodically inspect and — where necessary — replace or upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool, spa or hot tub electrically safe. Have the electrician show you how to turn off all power in case of an emergency.

Make sure any overhead lines maintain the proper distance over a pool and other structures, such as a diving board. If you have any doubts, contact a qualified electrician or your local utility company to make sure power lines are a safe distance away.

For boats

Avoid entering the water when launching or loading a boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water causing water electrification.

Each year, and after a major storm, have the boat’s electrical system inspected and upgraded by a qualified marine electrician to be sure it meets the required area codes and those of the American Boat & Yacht Council. Check with the marina owner who can also tell you if the marina’s electrical system has recently been inspected to meet the required codes of your area, including the National Electrical Code.

Have ground fault circuit interrupters installed on the boat; use only portable GFCIs or shore power cords that are “UL-Marine Listed” when using electricity near water. Test GFCIs monthly.