Boat marinas are places of recreation, work and relaxation, but they also present hidden electrical hazards that many people are unaware of. One of the most serious and often overlooked dangers is stray electrical current in the water.
Stray current occurs when electricity leaks from boats, docks or shore power systems into the surrounding water, creating a potentially life-threatening environment for swimmers, divers and even people working near the water. The primary risk associated with stray current is electric shock drowning. Unlike a sudden high-voltage shock, electric shock drowning can be subtle and silent. Even relatively low levels of alternating current in the water can cause muscle paralysis, preventing a person from swimming or keeping their head above water. Victims may feel tingling, cramps or sudden weakness, often with little time to react before losing the ability to move. This makes marinas especially dangerous for swimmers, as the risk is invisible and there are rarely warning signs.
Stray current most commonly originates from faulty wiring on boats, damaged shore power pedestals, improper grounding or deteriorated electrical insulation.
Older vessels and poorly maintained marina infrastructure are particularly susceptible. Corrosion, moisture and constant exposure to harsh marine environments increase the likelihood of electrical faults, allowing current to escape into the water. Even boats that appear to be operating normally can contribute to the problem without their owners realizing it. Metal ladders, pilings and dock hardware can also become energized. In some cases, individuals on the dock may feel mild shocks when touching metal items. This should always be treated as a serious warning sign of a larger electrical issue and be investigated or reported.
Preventing stray current hazards requires both awareness and proactive safety measures. Swimming in marinas should be strictly avoided, regardless of how calm or clean the water appears. Boat owners should ensure that their electrical systems are regularly inspected by qualified marine electricians and that ground fault protection devices are properly installed and functioning.
Let us not forget our cold-water safety concerns: Cold shock will cause potentially lethal responses that are intense and involuntary, including loss of breathing control, heart and blood pressure problems, and impaired mental ability. It will cause one or more huge gasps that fill your lungs followed by rapid, uncontrolled breathing, or hyperventilation. You will not be able to swim. If you’re not wearing a personal flotation device and your head is underwater, you will drown.
Stray electrical current presents an invisible hazard at boat marinas, so you should always wear a life jacket. It could save your life.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB GREAT SOUTH BAY/3 NEWSLETTER, THE GREAT SOUTH SPRAY.
