Pool owners warned of electrocution risk

James Tramel, 43, died trying to save his children from a pool in Palm Springs Easter Sunday. Tramel was electrocuted when he jumped into the pool after seeing his nine-year-old daughter being electrically shocked.

“Electricity is invisible. You can’t see it in the water,” said Little. “As a father, even as a trained competent licensed electrician, which I am, I would’ve had a similar reaction.”

Little warns it’s up to you and your pool contractor to check the electrical and mechanical components of a swimming pool at least twice a year. You should know where the power source is and the Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter, or GFCI, the fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a problem.

If something goes wrong, immediately turn off all power. If not, rescuers can also become victims.

Swimmers being shocked may feel a tingling sensation, experience muscle cramps, or may not be able to move at all.

“You feel frozen, like someone is holding both your arms keeping you,” said Little.

If you think you’re being shocked while in the water. Get out of the water without using a metal ladder, which may increase the risk of shock.

To save someone in the water the American Red Cross recommends you:

Use a fiberglass rescue hook
Pull victim face up to the edge Carefully remove victim from water Position victim on back Begin rescue breaths or CPR

Claro Pools recommends if there is any skepticism about the safety of a pool, stay away from it. Contact a licensed contractor to check it out.