Coast Guard warns of electric shock in harbors, marinas

As the boating season begins, families are being warned about electric shock drowning.

Officials said a boat's powerful electric current enters the water in a marina or harbor and can potentially electrocute swimmers.

Several years ago, Sheryl and Kevin Ritz's 8-year-old son Lucas was the victim of an electric shock incident while in the water.

"One second he was splashing, having a great time, and the next moment he's quiet," Kevin Ritz said. "What was not visible was the electricity leaking into the water from a boat plugged in to shore power. Lucas was killed as he swam into the energized water."

Coast guard and local harbor officials said swimmers should never swim in a harbor or marina.