Keep electricity out of your water fun!

Willie Wiredhand says, "Have fun in water this summer, but please be safe!"

Digital illustration by Richard G. Biever and Liquid Library

Whether it's swimming, boating or fishing, summertime is water recreation time for millions. While enjoying water activities, keep electrical safety in mind at all times.

Electricity is essential energy - it keeps us cool in the summer, lights our house, keeps the refrigerator cold, and runs the TV, stereo and computers. But electricity also can be dangerous. It doesn't take much power to hurt someone - less than one-fifth of the electricity it takes to light a bulb can kill an adult.

Here are some tips to stay safe in or around swimming pools:

• Do not put any electrical appliances within 5 feet of a swimming pool.
• Any electrical outlets within 20 feet of a pool should be equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
• Pools and decks should be built at least 5 feet away from all underground electrical lines, and at least 25 feet from overhead electrical lines.
• Never swim during a thunderstorm.
• Use battery operated, rather than electrical appliances near swimming pools.
• If a swimmer is electrocuted or shocked, don't dive in yourself or you could be electrocuted as well. Turn off the power, and then use a fiberglass shepherd's hook to pull the victim out of the water.
• When you leave the pool, don't change the radio station or touch any electrical appliances until you are dry - never touch any electrical appliances when you are wet or standing in water. If you and your friends or younger siblings play with sprinklers or hoses, set them up well away from any electrical outlets or appliances.

Electricity and water...DO NOT MIX!

Willie Wiredhand says, "DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Never touch an electric device when you're wet!"

Every summer people are injured or killed by electrical appliances in or near water or wet areas!

NEVER touch anything that plugs into an outlet when you are wet! If it plugs into a wall, keep it away from water and wet surfaces.

Parents, always make sure electrical appliances used outdoors or in bathrooms, kitchens or anywhere near water are plugged into an outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

For more safety tips from Willie Wiredhand, click here.