It might not be the first danger you think of, but a number of sailors have been injured or killed when their boats came into contact with overhead power lines. If you’re aware of the possible dangers you can try to avoid electrical hazards
In rural areas, electricity is generally distributed on overhead lines supported by wooden poles or steel pylons. The lines aren’t normally insulated, so any contact with them can lead to very serious injuries and death. They have to be above a statutory minimum height that, in normal circumstances, places them safely out of reach. However, sailors are at more risk as metal masts and rigging may be above this height. This most often occurs while the boat is being rigged or moved on dry land. It seems that people simply don’t notice the overhead lines. It doesn’t only happen in boat clubs, but also in car parks, or on people’s drives and in the road outside their homes.
Things to remember
Before rigging or moving a boat with a tall mast, always look up and around you. If there are any lines near you or on the route you’re about to take, stay well away from them. It’s very difficult to judge the height of lines, so don’t attempt it!
- overhead power lines are often uninsulated (bare) and can carry high voltages
- don't assume that wires on wooden poles are telephone wires
- the lowest voltage overhead lines can produce 10,000 times more current than is required to kill a person: even 230 volts (domestic voltage) can be lethal
- it can be fatal to touch electricity wires, and people or things touching the wires, even at the lowest voltages
- never assume electrical equipment is dead, even if wires have fallen or broken
- power can be switched back on at any time, without warning
- electricity can jump gaps
- masts, string, ropes, rigging and water can conduct electricity
- rubber boots won’t protect you
Look for signs
Electricity poles and pylons are usually fitted with yellow 'Danger of Death' notices. If you’re at a known boating venue, there should be warning signs and barriers (goal posts) near any lines that cross areas where boats are expected to pass or to be rigged. Take note of any warning signs and stay well away from the marked area. Occasionally signs get knocked over or vandalised, so always check for lines yourself.
If in doubt, stop
If there’s a line near where you’re rigging or moving a boat with a tall mast, keep away. Don’t assume that it’s a telephone wire, but that it carries live electricity. If you have any doubt, contact your local electricity company or site owner.
What to do in an emergency
If an overhead line touches any part of your craft or you come within 5 metres of a damaged wire:
- move away as quickly as you can and stay away
- always assume the lines are live, even if they’re not sparking
- remember wires may re-energise at any time without warning (this can happen automatically after a few seconds or remotely after several hours if the electricity company isn’t aware of the situation)
- remember that if a wire’s on the ground you don’t have to touch it to be killed: current may travel a long way through the ground and even further if the wire falls on a fence or other metallic objects
- if you’re on the boat, stay on it until emergency services arrive
- always keep a mobile phone with you to contact emergency services – they know how to undertake rescues near to damaged overhead lines
- if the craft is tangled in, or touching, wires warn others to stay well clear
If this isn’t possible:
- jump well clear – don’t climb down
- never touch the craft once you’re off
- run well clear with leaping strides, at least 10 metres away
- stay clear
Call the network operator: 0800 587 3243†
You can download our safety leaflet on Safety in Boating as a PDF.