Portage City marina officials urge electrical checks and logging after neighboring marina incident

Portage City Port Authority members discussed steps to reduce the risk of electrical-shock drowning at the marina after an incident at a nearby facility.

A Port Authority member reported there have been no similar obstructions but raised the question: “do we need to check all of our electricity at our docks to make sure that the tragedy that I've just got wind of today couldn't repeat itself?” The member said the authority has contacted the fire department and police department and that the other marina incident prompted quicker checks.

Attorney Dogan, who said he served on the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council, recommended buying a dedicated testing device, keeping a written log of tests and testing on a regular schedule. “I would purchase such a device and have it on hand,” Dogan said. “I think we ought to start keeping a log of when we tested and how often we tested.” He added that a log would be useful evidence in any liability inquiry.

Harbormaster Barb said the marina already posts “no swimming” signs and laminated ESD (electric shock drowning) warnings at each dock gate: “We put those up every year, so slip holders are well aware to stay out of the water.” Staff reported they are arranging inspections of dock electrical systems and coordinating with the fire and police departments; one speaker said DNR had also been contacted about the other marina’s incident.

Why this matters: freshwater conducts electricity differently than saltwater, increasing ESD risk; regular testing and documentation can reduce risk to boaters and provide a record of preventive action.

Next steps and scope: Dogan recommended monthly testing and logging; staff indicated they are arranging checks and will follow up as part of routine maintenance. No formal policy or funding vote was taken at the meeting.