Preventing Electric Shock Drowning:

  • NEVER swim in or near marinas, docks or boatyards.
  • Tell others about the danger of Electric Shock Drowning. Most people have never heard of ESD and are unaware of the danger.
  • If you are a boat owner, have your boat inspected by an electrician with current ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) Electrical Certification or by an ABYC Certified Technician. Boats with alternating current (AC) systems should have isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter (ELCI) protection, comply with American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards, and should be serviced by an ABYC Certified® Technician.  Click here to learn about isolation transformers. 
  • Talk to Marina owners or operators about the danger of electric shock drowning. Ask them to install GFCI’s on all shore power pedestals and on all marina wiring circuits. Ask if they are having their marinas regularly inspected by qualified electricians who are familiar with National Fire Protection Association Codes: NFPA 303 and NFPA 70. ​​

"NO SWIMMING" Around AC Powered Docks:

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The ESDPA strongly discourages swimming around boats, docks, and marinas that use AC electrical power for any purpose (boat power, electrical outlets, lighting, boat lifts, aerators, etc.).   It is the ESDPA’s position that swimming around boats, docks, or marinas using AC electrical power should be strictly prohibited.  We recommend that signs be posted to warn people of the dangers associated with swimming around any equipment powered by AC electricity. Additionally, for marinas, docks, and boatyards, we advocate for the establishment of a “NO SWIMMING” policy, supported by appropriate signage, notifications, facility monitoring, and enforcement by appropriately trained staff.  (Photo courtesy of Sister Bay Marina, WI)     

ESDPA Policy Statement Concerning the Use of “Green Light For Swimming” devices:

​The ESDPA neither promotes nor endorses the use of voltage or current detection devices as a “green light” for swimming activities around boats, docks, or marinas where AC electrical power is installed or in use.  The use of these devices is recognized only to the extent that they may serve to warn the owner or operator of potentially dangerous electrical conditions around their dock or marina.  These devices should never be used as an indication that the waters around boats, docks, and marinas are safe for swimming.  Please review the ESDPA Position Statement on "Green Light Devices". 

Read or download our ESD Awareness Brochure: 

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