In most circumstances victims do not immediately feel electrical current when they enter or swim in the water around a marina or dock, thus giving the victims the false impression that it is “safe” to swim. There is no visible warning or way to tell if water surrounding a boat, marina or dock is energized or within seconds will become energized with fatal levels of electricity. WHY IS ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING A SILENT KILLER? If an electric fault occurs on a boat while it is connected to a marina’s or dock’s shore power and the boat or marina is not properly wired to meet current ABYC and NFPA standards, the water surrounding the boat will become electrified. Would you consider stepping into a bathtub or swimming pool with a hair dryer? Think of the boat as the hairdryer. The electricity that enters the water and causes Electric Shock Drowning originates from the wiring of the dock or marina, or from boats that are connected to the marina’s or dock’s power supply. ![]() The typical victim of Electric Shock Drowning is a child swimming in or around a marina or dock where electricity is present. Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) has become the catch all phrase that encompasses all in-water shock casualties and fatalities.Īlthough Electric Shock Drowning can occur virtually in any location where electricity is provided near water, the majority of Electric Shock Drowning deaths have occurred in public and private marinas and docks. Higher levels of AC current in the water will also result in electrocution. Visit Minnesota DNR website for additional information from the MN DNR.Įlectric Shock Drowning (ESD) is the result of the passage of a typically low level AC current through the body with sufficient force to cause skeletal muscular paralysis, rendering the victim unable to help himself / herself, while immersed in fresh water, eventually resulting in drowning of the victim. Swimmer's itch rarely leads to complications, but your skin can become infected if you scratch too vigorously. And, your sensitivity can increase each time you're exposed to the parasites that cause swimmer's itch. Some people are more sensitive to swimmer's itch than others are. Children may have the highest risk, since they tend to play in shallow water and are less likely to dry off with a towel. The more time you spend in infested water, the higher your risk of swimmer's itch. The parasites that cause swimmer's itch live in the blood of waterfowl and in animals that live near ponds and lakes. Swimmer's itch isn't contagious from person to person, so you don't need to worry about catching swimmer's itch from someone who has this itchy rash. These snails live near the shoreline, which explains why infections occur most often in shallow water. Before infecting birds, animals or people, the hatched parasites must live for a time within a type of snail. The parasite's eggs enter the water via their hosts' feces. You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist). If you notice pus at the rash site, consult your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have a rash after swimming that lasts more than three days. Signs and symptoms of swimmer's itch typically worsen with each exposure to the parasites. Swimmer's itch usually affects only exposed skin - skin not covered by swimsuits, wet suits or waders. It may appear within minutes or days after swimming or wading in infested water. The itchy rash associated with swimmer's itch looks like reddish pimples or blisters. ![]() In the meantime, you can control itching with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Swimmer's itch is uncomfortable, but it usually clears up on its own in a few days. Humans aren't suitable hosts, so the parasites soon die while still in your skin. These parasites can be released into the water. ![]() ![]() The parasites that cause swimmer's itch normally live in waterfowl and some animals. Swimmer's itch is a rash usually caused by an allergic reaction to parasites that burrow into your skin while you're swimming or wading in warm water. Also known as cercarial dermatitis, swimmer's itch is most common in freshwater lakes and ponds, but it occasionally occurs in salt water. Swimmer's itch is an itchy rash that can occur after you go swimming or wading outdoors.
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