Electrical Safety Tips For Boaters

While the Grand River Dam Authority continues to recognize May as National Electric Safety Month, it is also understood that Memorial Day weekend is a good time to think about boating safety.

So, in this week’s installment of Power For Progress, we wanted to pass along some electrical safety tips for Grand Lake boat owners and operators, from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org).

Here are some things to consider as you hit the water this – and every – weekend:

• Be aware of your surroundings and potential electrical hazards by checking the location of nearby power lines before boating, fishing, or swimming. Always maintain a distance of at least 10 feet between your boat and nearby power lines.

• Have your boat’s electrical system inspected and upgraded by a certified marine electrician regularly to be sure they meet your local and state safety code and standards. 

• Use “UL- Marine Listed” portable GFCIs when using electricity near water. They will decrease the chances of shock or electrocution.

• Consider having Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters (ELCI) installed on boats to protect nearby swimmers from potential electricity leakage into water surrounding your boat.

• Only use shore or marine power cords, plugs, receptacles, and extension cords that have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or ETL SEMKO (ETL). They are specifically designed to keep you safe when using them near water.

• If you question the safety of your boat’s electrical system, immediately turn off the power supply at the electrical panel and do not turn it back on until it has been checked by a qualified electrician.

• Never stand or swim in water when turning off electrical devices or switches to prevent shock or electrocution.

Your friends at the Grand River Dam Authority wish you a safe and enjoyable boating season.

And don’t forget about having your dock’s electric system inspected.

For more helpful electric safety tips, visit esfi.org.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.