Electric Shock Drowning (ESD)

In Memory of Elena and Hannah

This page is dedicated to the memory of Elena Walrod and Hannah Riley, whose lives were tragically lost at Lake Wateree on July 3, 2026. We are grateful to Dennis and Linda Martin for their courage in sharing this deeply personal story with our community. It is their hope—and ours—that greater awareness of Electric Shock Drowning will help prevent another family from experiencing such a devastating loss.

May Elena and Hannah be remembered not only for the tragedy that took their lives, but for the lives that may be protected because their story was shared.

Why This Matters at Lake Wateree

On July 3, 2026, an unimaginable tragedy occurred at a home on Lake Wateree. Elena Walrod and her friend, Hannah Riley, lost their lives while swimming near a residential dock. Elena and Hannah were capable swimmers. They were in only four to five feet of water, close to the dock stairs, with several other people nearby. What initially appeared to be an inexplicable double drowning was later determined to involve an electrical hazard at the dock. Investigators with the Kershaw County Coroner's Office went to extraordinary lengths to understand what had happened and ultimately identified the source: a damaged extension cord that, under certain circumstances, could energize the aluminum dock and surrounding water.

Elena's mother, Linda Martin, and stepfather, Dennis Martin, asked the Lake Wateree Association to share their family's story for one reason: to help prevent another family from experiencing a similar tragedy. Their experience is an important reminder that an electrical problem around the water may provide little or no warning until something goes terribly wrong.

What Lake Wateree Homeowners Need to Know

Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) can occur when electrical current from a dock, boat, lift, light, outlet, wiring system, extension cord, or other electrical source leaks into the surrounding water. Unlike many hazards on the lake, electricity in the water may provide no visible warning. The water can look completely normal while still carrying electrical current.

When a person enters electrified water, the current can pass through the body and interfere with normal muscle function. Depending on the strength of the current, a person may experience tingling or other unusual sensations, lose muscle control, become unable to swim, or suffer a potentially fatal electrical shock. A swimmer who loses the ability to move or stay afloat can drown even in relatively shallow water.

This danger is particularly important around docks because electricity is commonly used to power boat lifts, lighting, outlets, pumps, and other equipment. Damaged wiring, deteriorated cords, improper installations, corrosion, or other electrical faults can allow electricity to enter the water. Because there may be no obvious sign that anything is wrong, prevention and proper electrical maintenance are critical.

Know the Warning Signs

If you are ever in the water near a dock and feel tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or another unusual sensation that could indicate electrical current, treat it as a potential electrical emergency.

Get away from docks boats and any other potential source of electricity and get out of the water immediately if you are able and alert others.

If someone in the water appears to be experiencing electrical shock, do not enter the water to rescue them. You could become a victim as well. Disconnect electrical power from shore if it can be done safely and call 911.

Kershaw County has developed the safety advisory below with additional information about Electric Shock Drowning, emergency response, common dock electrical hazards, and steps homeowners can take to make their docks safer.

Protect Your Dock and Your Family

If you have electrical service at or near your dock, the Lake Wateree Association strongly encourages you to have the system inspected by a qualified, licensed electrician with experience working around docks and waterfront environments. Electrical systems around docks are exposed to water, weather, movement, corrosion, and other conditions that can damage electrical components over time.  Make sure your the line to your dock is GFCI protected and you know how to shut off the power. Homeowners should pay particular attention to:

• Damaged, frayed, pinched, or deteriorating cords and wiring

• Electrical connections or equipment exposed to water

• Corrosion of plugs, outlets, wiring, and electrical components

• Proper GFCI protection and other required electrical safety devices

• Electrical work that may not have been professionally installed

• Changes or additions to boat lifts, lighting, outlets, pumps, or other dock equipment

Most importantly, do not assume an electrical system is safe simply because it has worked without a problem in the past. Electrical equipment can deteriorate or become damaged over time. When in doubt, have it inspected.

Find a Licensed Electrician

One of the lessons from the Martin family's experience is the importance of having access to qualified professionals who understand electrical systems around docks. The Lake Wateree Association is developing a list of licensed electricians who have told us they are available to serve Lake Wateree homeowners, including homeowners who need dock electrical inspections, repairs, or properly installed electrical service.

Electricians Serving Lake Wateree

One2one Electric
Contact: Joe Sanwick
Phone: 803.357.4117 
Email: one2one.electric@gmail.com
Service Area: Located in Kershaw County

Sharp Electric LLC
Contact: Davis and William Sharp
Phone:  803.470.6023 
Email: office@sharpelectricsc.com
Website: [Website]
Service Area: Located in Fairfield County

Are You a Licensed Electrician?

If you are a licensed electrician who serves the Lake Wateree area and has the capacity to inspect and repair electrical systems at docks, we would like to hear from you.

Contact the Lake Wateree Association (lakewatereeassociation@gmail.com) to be considered for inclusion on this list.

The Lake Wateree Association provides this list solely as a resource for Lake Wateree homeowners. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, guarantee, or warranty by the Lake Wateree Association. Homeowners are responsible for verifying licensing, insurance, qualifications, and suitability before hiring any service provider.

Learn More About Electric Shock Drowning

The Martin family encourages every Lake Wateree homeowner to learn more about Electric Shock Drowning and the precautions that can reduce the risk. Additional information and educational resources are available from the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association at electricshockdrowning.org.