Power for Progress: Electrical safety tips for boat owners

Boating safe
Planning on hitting the water in the boat in the weeks ahead? If so, the Grand River Dam Authority is sharing some important electrical safety tips for boat operators that you may want to keep in mind.

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

National Electric Safety Month:

Electrical safety tips for boat owners

The month of May is recognized as National Electric Safety Month, but it also the month leading up to the busy boating season at the Grand River Dam Authority’s Grand and Hudson lakes. With that in mind, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some important electric safety tips specifically for boaters.

Here are some things to consider as you hit the water this – and every – weekend. Your friends at GRDA want you to have safe, enjoyable summer.

· 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.

Keep these tips in mind, and always wear your life jacket! For more helpful electric safety tips, visit esfi.org.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power 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.