Lake Of The Ozarks Dock Owners: Schedule Inspections For Electric & Structural Safety, Ameren Says

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — As some Lake of the Ozarks dock owners are dealing with dock damage from the big freeze, the big thaw, and a rapidly lowered water level, Ameren Missouri is encouraging all dock owners to schedule dock inspections now, in advance of the summer season.

"Nothing is more important than safety at Lake of the Ozarks," said Bryan Vance, supervisor of shoreline management at Ameren. "Dock owners can take advantage of warmer temperatures to have both a trusted dock builder and a qualified electrician look at their dock."

"We've added a number of first-time dock owners over the past year," Vance said. "Many will be experiencing their first spring here at the lake. Thinking about dock safety is an important part of having a lake retreat or full-time home."

Ameren Missouri is sharing the following safety information:

Continually inspect docks.
- Water movement, freezing and thawing can cause wear on your dock's electrical equipment. Monthly ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) testing of electric equipment and bonding wires is recommended. Have both the dock and the power supply to the dock regularly inspected by a qualified electrician.
Fix problems first.
- Once it is warm enough to get in the water, never energize or re-energize, engage a breaker, or reset a GFCI while someone is swimming near the dock. Get the dock inspected and fixed before using or swimming nearby.
Feel a shock, swim away from the dock.
- Never swim around a dock where breakers or GFCIs are tripping. Do not touch any part of the dock or adjacent docks if a tingle or shock is felt. Swim or get away from the dock, cables and attachments. Exit the water away from the source of the shock. If possible, swim to the shoreline and exit there.