Looking at the topic of lake electrification
An 18-year old died on the fourth of July because he jumped into electrified water in Virginia.
According to multiple media outlets, deputies believe Hamric’s death could be a result of stray voltage coming from a privately owned dock on the lake.
https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/steamboat-springs-graduate-dies-in-accident-at-virginia-lake/
Two people jumped into the lake to try to help Hamric, and they immediately felt electricity in the water coming from a dock.
The victim was well-loved by many and known for his courage: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jesse-hamric-obituary?id=55517114
This accident makes me reflect on the practice of stringing up Christmas lights on docks or near the shore. When power cords get wet there can be a risk of current being grounded to the water: https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/1040338-people-leaving-shore-power-cords-dipped-water-3.html
Boats can also be a source of voltage. In 1986, a man died in the St. Croix River because of current coming from his boat: https://www.electricshockdrowning.org/uploads/4/8/5/6/48564375/rfmarinariskreduction.pdf#page=154
The electricshockdrowning.org website is for the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association. The association “recommends staying at least 150 feet away from any structure or equipment powered by AC in the water, or located on the waterfront.”: https://www.mikeholt.com/newsletters.php?action=reply&inResponseTo=22518&letterID=1783
The National Electric Code requires posting warning signs near docks, marinas, and boatyard facilities using electricity: http://www.electricshockdrowningmn.com/Documents/Article%20555%20Marinas%20and%20Boatyards%20Excerpts%20-%202017-03-24.pdf
This is the 2017 code. Prior to that, there had been a carve-out exempting “Private, noncommercial docking facilities constructed or occupied for the use of the owner or residents of the associated single-family dwelling”. Now that the exemption has been removed, permanent signs must also be posted for docks that have been wired at private homes.
Wisconsin largely follows the National Electric Code: SPS 316.020(1). Because Wisconsin doesn’t have “additions or deletions” about the signage requirement for docks and marinas, the NEC’s signage requirement also applies to Wisconsin. Local enforcement of the code is described in SPS 316.011(1)(a). Permits are required for electrical work on docks under SPS 316.012.
If you run electrical devices in or near a body of water, you can buy a device to check if you are electrifying it: https://www.shockalert.com/
Some people swim with a device to check if the water they are in is electrified, but this is not recommended: https://www.electricshockdrowning.org/esdpa-position-statement-on-green-light-devices.html
If you desire to investigate this topic more, a book about the causes and prevention of electric shock drowning has a chapter on “ESD Hazards in Open Water: Docks, Marinas and Boats”: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/G-Cargill-Iii/publication/335250921_Electric_Shock_Drowning_Causes_and_Prevention/links/5d5b416b45851521025227f1/Electric-Shock-Drowning-Causes-and-Prevention.pdf#page=41