Words of warning regarding Village docks

Attention HSV members with lake shore lots: If you own a dock in Hot Springs Village, you must adhere to the Boat Dock and Marina Safety Law, Act 571, passed by the Arkansas State Legislature in 2011.

The law requires owners of boat docks or marinas in Arkansas to install and maintain electrical wiring in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Standards for Marinas and Boatyards and the National Electric Code to prevent shock, electrocution, or injury to users of the facility and swimmers in the surrounding area.

In addition, owners of boat docks and marinas in Arkansas that are not located on a federal impoundment owned or managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers must display signage that warns of electric shock hazards in the waters surrounding the boat dock or marina and the risk of swimming in the area as provided under this section.

The signage must be placed to give adequate notice to persons using the boat dock or marina or swimming near the boat dock or marina of the electric shock hazard risks of the waters around the boat dock or marina. Two signs are necessary. The first must state “ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD RISK: SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK” or “WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.” The second sign must state “SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.”

Act 571 is available to view in its entirety at http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/2011R/Acts/Act571.pdf.

Please contact a licensed electrician for any electrical work on or near the shoreline, including docks, boat lifts, and water pumps, lights and outlets.