Electrocution in water occurs when an electrical current enters a body of water, making it energized and posing a severe hazard. This dangerous phenomenon can happen in various aquatic environments, including swimming pools, lakes, and marinas. When a person comes into contact with electrified water, the current can pass through their body, leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
How Electricity Behaves in Water
Water’s ability to conduct electricity depends on its purity. Pure water, like distilled water, contains few ions and acts as an insulator. However, water found in pools, lakes, and tap water contains dissolved impurities like salts and minerals. These impurities break down into electrically charged ions, enabling the water to conduct an electrical current.
When an electrical fault occurs, such as from faulty wiring or equipment, the current rapidly spreads through the water. This creates a wide, invisible danger zone, as the electrical current seeks a path to the ground. The presence of these conductive ions allows the current to flow, creating a highly hazardous situation.
Physiological Impact on the Body
Electric current passing through the human body in water can have severe physiological effects. One immediate danger is the disruption of the heart’s electrical rhythm, potentially leading to cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a condition where the heart’s lower chambers quiver ineffectively instead of pumping blood, leading to sudden cardiac death if not treated immediately.
Beyond cardiac effects, electric shock can cause involuntary and sustained muscle contractions. This can lead to paralysis, making it impossible for a person to swim or release themselves from the current source. Such muscle incapacitation often results in forced submersion and drowning. The nervous system can also be severely affected, impacting breathing and consciousness.
Internal organs and tissues can suffer significant damage, including severe burns, even if external burns appear minimal. The current travels through the body, heating tissues along its path. Additionally, electric current can cause electrolytic effects, altering the chemical composition of blood and other bodily fluids through salt breakdown. Even a small amount of current can be fatal due to water’s conductivity and the body’s vulnerability.
Immediate Actions and Emergency Response
If someone is electrocuted in water, prioritizing safety is crucial for rescuers. The immediate step is to cut off the power source, if possible, as entering energized water can lead to further casualties.
Once the power is confirmed off, or if it cannot be immediately disconnected, use non-conductive materials like a fiberglass shepherd’s hook or a dry wooden pole to pull the victim to safety. After safely removing the person from the water, immediately call emergency services.
Perform basic first aid by checking for breathing and a pulse. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if trained. Rolling the victim onto their side if unconscious or vomiting can help prevent aspiration. Even if the victim appears to recover, prompt medical attention is necessary to assess for internal injuries or delayed complications.
Preventing Water Electrocution Incidents
Preventing electrocution in water involves proactive measures to ensure electrical safety around aquatic environments. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are important safety devices that should be installed on all electrical outlets near water sources, including bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. GFCIs detect imbalances in electrical current and quickly shut off power, often within milliseconds, preventing serious shock.
For pools and hot tubs, regular inspection of electrical systems by a qualified electrician is important. All electrical equipment, such as pumps, lights, and filters, should be properly grounded and maintained. Keep electrical appliances, cords, and devices at least 6 feet away from the water and use battery-operated devices when possible.
In boating and marina environments, awareness of “stray current” is important, where faulty wiring on boats or dock infrastructure can energize the water. Swimmers should avoid swimming near marinas or docks, especially in freshwater where the body can become the path of least resistance for stray currents. Always assume downed power lines are live and avoid walking or driving through water in contact with them, as the ground can be energized up to 35 feet away, or even more in wet conditions.