Power Lines and Boats
Among the most tragic and preventable boating accidents are those in which a
boat strikes a power line. Certain conditions (such as humidity and close
proximity) will increase the probability of voltage seeking a ground.
Launching your boat…
Look up to check for any overhead wires between your boat and the launching
ramp before you even get near it. Make certain that you will not be raising
the mast or antenna too close to the power line.
Traversing the water…
High-voltage lines may cross reservoirs and other boating areas. If the tip of
the mast or antenna should come close to or contact one of these lines, the
electrical current may find a path to your boat and/or family members
on-board. It is the boater’s responsibility to remain a safe distance away
from the power lines and to know the distance between the boat’s waterline and
the masthead. It is also imperative to know the height of the waterways at all
times of the day in comparison to the height of the line, which is somewhat
constant, but can change due to heat, humidity, or electrical load.
After a storm…
Watch out for downed or sagging lines following a storm or high wind
condition. Look for potential hazards. Please report any potentially hazardous
conditions to 1-800-ENTERGY.
If contact is made with a power line…
Should your boat come in contact with a power line, DO NOT jump into the
water. The electrical charge could pass through the boat and ground into the
waterway. The safest approach is to stay in the boat and avoid touching
anything metal in nature. Leave the boat only after the boat has sufficiently
moved away from the line.
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