Electric shock drowning may be a rare occurrence, but it still happens too often. A person can drown after being shocked by an electrical current. These dangerous currents are usually caused by a short circuit in the wiring around an area of water. When the current spreads through the water, anyone swimming in the area can lose control of their body and potentially drown.

In 2012, two Missouri siblings died while they swam in a lake located near their family residence. The victims, eight-year-old Brayden Anderson and his 13-year-old sister, Alexandra Anderson, tragically died when they became incapacitated by an electrical current that flowed through the water.

Since the fatal accident, the mother of the victims has been pushing Missouri legislators to pass laws that would require safer docks at lakes and other bodies of water in the state.

Lawmakers Look for a Solution to Electrical Current Accidents

Some lawmakers have come under intense pressure from victims’ advocacy groups, like the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association. These groups are asking state legislators to impose stricter safety standards.

A number of states are now considering various strategies for making docks, and the water around them, safer for swimmers. One solution that has been proposed is mandatory installation of circuit breakers near water. Additionally, safety experts have called for the use of electrical outlets that would automatically shut down anytime the circuit overloads.

While these important safety laws are still being debated in state legislatures, there are some steps that you should take to ensure that your loved ones remain safe while swimming in lakes or pools. For example, you can inspect the electrical equipment surrounding docks and boats before your family members jump into the water. You may also want to consider buying a shock alarm that will warn you if electricity is present in the water.

For further information, view the Yahoo.com article, “Grieving Parents Warn against the Dangers of Lake Electricity after Daughter Is Killed.”

 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, a lake accident or any other type of accident in New York, you need to speak with a qualified, aggressive personal injury attorney today. The experienced personal injury lawyers at the LaDuca Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation at our office in Rochester, NY.