News
Safety tips for boat operators
May 10, 2021
May is National Electric Safety Month and another great opportunity for GRDA to pass along some important electric safety tips. This week, the focus is on tips geared towards boat owners/operators.
Power for Progress… a weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority.
May is recognized as National Electric Safety Month and the Grand River Dam Authority is committed to sharing electric safety tips that can help to keep you safe. Of course, we also understand that the busy lake season is right around the corner and many of you are getting the boat ready to hit the water. With that in mind, this week’s installment of electric safety tips is geared towards boat owners and operators. We are passing these along from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org), keep them in mind as you hit the water in your boat.
- 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.
Your friends at the Grand River Dam Authority want you to stay safe on and in the water. For more helpful tips, visit esfi.org.
GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric 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.