Electrical Shock Drowning
Electric shock drowning (ESD) cases have become a major concern and an important part of boating safety. In this session we will discuss and review the details and causes of ESD incidents, including a case study from July 4, 2012, on Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake. Because of this tragic incident, legislation was proposed and placed into law in Tennessee to protect against stray voltage from entering water from marinas’ electrical services and the vessels utilizing the electricity. Details of the legislation will be discussed. Highlights will be discussed from other states that have also recently introduced similar legislation or have already passed bills to protect against electric shock drowning.
George Birdwell
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
George Birdwell, a lifelong resident of Tennessee, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Birdwell started his career with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in 1998 as a wildlife technician. In 2000, he promoted to wildlife manager, and then in 2002, he transferred to a wildlife officer position in Unicoi County. In 2004, he became a full-time boating officer where he began to investigate many of the accidents occurring in his work district. Birdwell was promoted to statewide boating investigator in 2012. He assists in boat accident investigations, vessel theft investigations, and boat accident and BUI training throughout the state. Birdwell has assisted the NSBC Close-Quarter and Open Water Boat Control program as a master instructor, and he serves on the VIRT Committee for NASBLA.
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