What to do if Your Swimming Pool Becomes Electrified
Terrifying video from CNN affiliate WFOR shows three Miami children being shocked as the pool they're in becomes electrified.
One girl gets zapped and her father pulls her out immediately.
Another girl grabs the railing but is unable to let go; the electricity contracts her muscles and she looks lifeless. Her grandfather snatches her from the water, getting himself shocked in the process.
Miraculously, no one died – but this shocking incident serves as a great lesson heading into the holiday weekend: be careful of exposed wiring by your pool, and keep a fiberglass hook nearby in case you need to scoop out a friend in a split-second’s notice.
How can pools become electrified?
Dr. Sanjay Gupta says anything electrical in or around your pool can be a risk – lights, pumps, filters – especially in pools built before 1984, a time when there were fewer safety regulations.
In this case, WFOR reports the pool became electrified due to unconnected ground wires in the pool pump house.
When the girl touched the handrail, she acted as the 'ground' and the electricity pulsed through her.
How to stay safe:
If you have a pool, it’s your responsibility to inspect the wiring in the lights and around your pool area.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC), recommends a safety system including Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters:
– On underwater lighting circuits operating at more than 15 volts
– On electrical equipment used with pools, hot tubs, and spas, including 120-volt and 240-volt heaters close to the pool
The CPSC also says you should have a fiberglass Shepherd’s crook/rescue hook nearby.
Dr. Gupta said having this non-conductive material handy will allow someone to scoop a victim out of the pool without becoming a victim himself.
See the full guide of CPSC pool safety recommendations HERE.
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On "New Day" Friday, Chris Sloan shared the story of his son, Calder, who died from being electrocuted in a pool after brushing up against the pool light.
Sloan described the boy saying:
"This was a kid that had an absolute zest and gusto to live but also to be absolutely – he was just so beautiful to other people and to me – this is not just a tragedy for us but also the world to lose such a very special boy."
Sloan is on a mission to spread information about pool safety.
You can see more about his son's story at Calders Legacy.
What's it Like to Fly 120 mph Over Manhattan?
Last weekend, five veteran skydivers got a view of New York City normally reserved for birds and Marvel superheroes.
The team of wingsuit-wearing flyers, known as the Red Bull Air Force, glided over the southern tip of Manhattan at an astounding 120 miles per hour.
WATCH:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UWZlNmpKm8&w=560&h=315]
Two members of the team, Jeff Provenzano and Amy Chmelcki, dropped into the "New Day" studio to share their unique experience:
HOW LONG DID THIS JUMP TAKE TO PLAN?
Provenzano: We had to get the permissions from the FAA and also from the city. It was a lot of permits. It took months.
Chmelecki: We practiced. We went to upstate NY to a place called the ranch and we practiced on Saturday – our line and we did some math, figuring out how we were gonna put it over the city – we only had one shot so …
The Red Bull fliers soar above Manhattan on Sunday, May 18, 2014. Photo credit: Red Bull
WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?
Chmelecki: For me, my focus was my wingman to my left, so pretty much I could see him most of the time. But I could see Manhattan and I could see the Freedom Tower – I was like 'Oh my god, that’s the Freedom Tower.” I could see Jersey, but mostly I was just breathing and focused on my wingman.
Provenzano: I mean this one tops it ... I have some cool jumps set up over the summer but this was probably number one.
Chmelecki: To jump over NY felt absolutely amazing. It was such a beautiful morning and the buildings were shining. And Jersey on one side, NY on the other. It felt awesome.
Provenzano: I’d been looking forward to do this for maybe like 2 or 3 years, I’d been talking about this and it was just like a dream come true to finally make it happen.
Chmelecki shows off her wingsuit on "New Day."
HOW DOES THE SUIT WORK?
Provenzano: You have a lot of control with these, you can control your angle. Go steep. You can flatten out, you can control your speed too so you can go faster or slower. It’s a human kite.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART?
Chmelecki: The landing. It was definitely challenging landing on that small barge in the water.
The landing. Photo credit: Red Bull
Let us know below, would you ever want to do this jump?
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