MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Paul J. Reinsch
(573) 751-1000
July 25, 2012
120704

EMPHASIS: Extra Caution Encouraged Around Boat Docks




Captain Greg Kindle, commanding officer, Troop F, Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages boat dock owners to take the necessary precautions to make their dock safe from stray electrical current. Recent incidents, including the deaths of two children and a 26-year-old woman, all at Lake of the Ozarks, have brought attention to the dangers of electricity on boat docks. During each of these incidents, there were other potential victims who were able to swim away from the electrically charged docks and surrounding lake water.
In addition to the three fatalities, two other incidents involving electrical shock near private docks have been documented at Lake of the Ozarks recently. A child nearly drowned at Lake of the Ozarks in May, after receiving an electrical shock by grabbing a dock cable charged with electricity. CPR was administered on the child and she was revived. Two adults received an electrical shock while attempting to help the child from the water. In the second incident, which occurred this past weekend, two children and one adult were shocked while swimming around a private dock. The power was shut off to the dock immediately, and all three were able to exit the water.
Tingling and numbness in the extremities while swimming in the water has been a common statement made by individuals who survived these incidents. Swimming away from any dock suspected to be charged with electricity is the safest course of action. Exiting the water at the shoreline, a safe distance from the electrically charged dock, or swimming to a nearby dock, would be the alternative. It should be noted, if there are metal dock cables securing the electrically charged dock to the shoreline, the metal cables may be charged with electricity as well.

There are specific regulations on many of Missouri's lakes. Dock owners should adhere to the regulations set forth by the dock permitting authority.

“Having electricity on a boat dock is a great convenience, but it’s also a great responsibility,” said Captain Kindle. “Prevent tragedy from striking at your boat dock, make sure it’s safe for friends and family to enjoy!”