Electrical Problems Lead to Teen Marina Drowning
Most community members know that electricity in or near the water always presents a dangerous situation. The risks of electrocution are particularly high whenever it is used near water, and so those in charge of keeping these places safe must do everything in their power to ensure electrocution accidents are prevented. Unfortunately swimmers throughout the country continue to suffer death and serious injury which can be traced at least in part back to electrocutions
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For example, the Traverse City Record Eagle reported this morning on a tragic swimming accident that took the life of an 18-year old teen. The young man, Michael Knudsen, was swimming at the Duncan Clinch Marina on Monday. It is unclear how he was discovered or if others were nearby at the time. However, his body was eventually pulled from the water and he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Subsequent investigations into the matter revealed that that teen’s death was caused in part by electrical shock. Upon learning of the possible cause, the city hired electricians to look into the matter. They soon discovered a short in a 220-volt electric line that carries power along the length of the floating dock. The electricians believe that this problem caused an electrical current to be released and enter the water in the area along the marina’s western break wall. An autopsy performed later revealed that the shock was a partial cause in the Michael’s death, as it likely caused the young man to experience problems which led the drowning.
Investigators are not sure what caused the short and are unsure why an electrical breaker did not shut off power to prevent the swimming electrocution and drowning. Our electrocution accident attorney understands the complex causes that are often the root of these problems. In this case, it is important for those looking into the matter to discover whether certain routine inspections were missed which might have caught the problem, if defective equipment was involved, or if some other conduct led to the short’s development. In any case, it is vital that the root of the problem be identified to ensure that it is corrected to prevent other swimmers from suffering a similar fate.
As this case demonstrates, electricity near the water presents two problems. On one hand an electric shock itself can cause serious harm. On the other, the temporary physical problems caused by a shock can lead to secondary problems, such as drownings. All residential pools, public pools, public marinas, and many other locations often use electrical equipment in and around the water. All those places need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure they do not pose risks to those in the area.
We have previously discussed a variety of ways in which 
