SHORELINES

when it comes to educating the public about electric safety. "Safety is at the forefront of our minds every day," said Alabama Power Land Manager omas St. John. "is time of year, we see an increase in visitors to our lakes. We want to equip the public with safety resources and remind our lake users of the importance of keeping safety a priority." With each permit issued, Shoreline Management distributes a Lake Safety Resource Guide covering a variety of pertinent topics. In addition to this resource, electric shock drowning is a focus of this issue. While Alabama Power shoreline managers issue building and structure permits on the lakes, they are not certified electricians and do not inspect the electrical wiring of these structures. "Whether you are building, repairing or maintaining a dock, I cannot stress enough the importance of utilizing a qualified electrician that has a thorough knowledge of NFPA 70 (e National Electric Code) and particularly NFPA 70 Article 555 (Marinas, Boatyards, and Commercial and Noncommercial Docking Facilities)." said Alabama Power Principal Engineer Howard McCraney. McCraney has worked closely with Alabama Power's power distribution team in relation to ESD and how it is caused. "Improper or degraded electrical installations and lack of ground-fault circuit protection are most oen the cause of ESD fatalities," said McCraney. "It is so important for customers to be educated and to take necessary safety steps when building, repairing, maintaining and operating a dock, as well as enjoying time on the water." "Improper wiring and protection have been the causes of all of the ESD fatalities I am aware of," said McCraney. e Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association (ESDPA) and the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI) provide educational resources that help define ESD, and explain how to avoid and react to it where encountered. eir expert facts include: Jim m y Johnson is a man of faith. e faith that can transform a man from living through a day of tragedy on April 16, 2016 to a life of healing and helping. On that day, Johnson lost his 15-year-old daughter, Carmen, to electric shock drowning while she and friends were swimming at the family's lake home on Smith Lake. "Carmen was a daredevil, she had a joyfulness and energy for living life to the fullest," said Johnson. "I knew when I heard that splash it was her because she would be the first one to jump into water, even though it was freezing cold." Johnson soon heard Carmen's friends call for help. Carmen was underwater and her friend Ragan clung to the ladder, unable to move from the electrical current. As Johnson tried to save his daughter, he instructed his wife to cut the power to the dock, ultimately saving his and Ragan's lives. ey would learn Carmen was a victim of electric shock drowning (ESD). Following the tragedy, a homebuilder and electrician investigated the dock and found there was a leak in the outdoor light switch that had filled halfway with water. As a result, electricity was transferred through the metal dock and ladder and had energized the water surrounding the dock when the ladder was lowered into the lake. rough their grief, Johnson and his wife began learning about ESD and turned tragedy into advocacy. ey have traveled the country sharing their story, their faith and helping teach others about ESD. Johnson, who has worked with state legislators, electric current detector manufacturers, utilities and community groups, is committed to sharing his family's story and helping increase awareness. "What would it help for us to not share our story? It wouldn't help anything," said Johnson. "We want to help spread the word and educate others." For Alabama Power, safety is a top priority, especially By Allison Westlake 29 www.apcshorelines.com

• Cover