NEWARK, Del. - With summer on the horizon and water sports such as boating and swimming on the rise, Delmarva Power would like to share the following water sport electric safety tips:

• Don't allow swimming near a dock. Avoid entering the water when launching or loading your boat or Jet Ski. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water and cause water electrification.
• 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.
• If you feel a tingle while swimming, the water may be electrified. Get out of the water as quickly as possible but avoid using metal objects such as ladders. Notify the owner of the property immediately, as this tingle is a sign that power to the facility should be turned off until a proper inspection has been completed.
• Have your boat's electrical system regularly inspected and upgraded by a certified marine electrician to be sure it meets local and state safety code and standards.
• Have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) installed on your boat and insist that your marina/dock owners have them installed on the dock. Test them once a month.
• 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.
• Use only shore or marine power cords, plugs, receptacles and extension cords that have been tested by independent safety science companies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). They are specifically designed to keep you safe when using them near water.
• Never use cords that are frayed or damaged or that have had the prongs removed or altered. Damaged cords exposed to water could result in electrical shock or electrocution.
• If you question the safety of your boat or Jet Ski's electrical system, immediately turn off the power supply at the electrical panel and do not turn it back on until a qualified electrician has checked it.
• Never stand or swim in water when turning off electrical devices or switches.
• Notify the marina owner of any electrical safety hazards so that they can be fixed immediately.

Find additional information by visiting www.delmarva.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/delmarvapower and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.delmarva.com/mobileapp.

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