Prevent Pool Electrocution

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Summer time isn't restricted to concerns about the West Nile virus. The increased use of swimming pools not only means a greater risk of drowning but the risks of other types of pool-related accidents as well.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Red Cross together are recommending electrical inspections for all public and private pools, especially older pools. Hopefully, inspections and repairs will protect swimmers from being electrocuted by faulty underwater or poolside wiring.

Our Comment: Don't forget the importance of other pool safety measures (including a good fence around all four sides of the pool, etc.).

For additional information please visit the following MedicineNet.com areas:

• A Safe Summer For Children - Tips
• Swimmer's Itch
• Beach & Water - Play it Safe!
• Test Your Sunscreen IQ
• Sun Protection and Sunscreens
• Sunburn and Sun-Sensitizing Drugs
• Focus Topic on Healthy Kids, edited by Frederick Hecht, MD, FAAP, FACMG, Pediatrician, Medical Geneticist, and up-to-date on children's health issues.

Barbara K. Hecht, Ph.D.
Frederick Hecht, M.D.
Medical Editors, MedicineNet.com

Don't Swim With Shocks - CPSC, American Red Cross Warn of Electrocutions in Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the weather warms up, swimmers across the country are heading out to backyard, community and public pools, hot tubs and spas. When it comes to pool safety, drowning is the first concern that comes to mind; but today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Red Cross are warning of another hidden danger to swimmers: electrocution. There have been 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks reported over the past 13 years involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools.

The CPSC is most concerned about faulty underwater lighting; aging electrical wiring that hasn't been inspected in years; the use of sump pumps, power washers, and vacuums that are not grounded; and electrical appliances (such as radios and TVs) and extension cords falling or being pulled into the water. All of these hazards present an even greater risk if the lighting, circuits, and nearby receptacles are not protected by Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs) - the best safety device to prevent electrocution.

"The best protection for families is inspection, detection, and correction of electrical hazards in and around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas," says CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "CPSC strongly encourages residential and commercial pool owners and operators to upgrade protection of the lights, receptacles, and switches with GFCIs. Older pools are the biggest concern, as underwater lighting fixtures may have degraded with age and may not be protected by GFCIs."

The CPSC and the American Red Cross are also warning swimmers that electrical hazards around a pool, hot tub or spa can lead to multiple deaths or injuries. This occurs when an individual becomes incapacitated by stray current in the water and one or more persons jump in or reach out to save the victim, resulting in multiple electrocutions or serious shocks.

In May 2002, a 14-year-old girl from Arlington, Texas, was electrocuted when wiring problems in an apartment swimming pool's underwater lights charged the water with electricity. A 16-year-old boy was seriously shocked when he jumped in the pool to try to save the young girl. Another teenager used a fiberglass shepherd's hook (a non-conductive device) to pull both victims from the water.