POA, city to evaluate electrical safety on lakes

Electricity and water can be a dangerous mix.

The Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association and the city of Bella Vista are partnering to educate lakefront property owners and provide oversight that would eliminate any hazard that may exist where water and electricity mix, according to a news release from the POA.

All electrical wiring around lakes should be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protected. GFCI protection guards against electrical shock to humans and is required by Arkansas law.

Senate Bill 317, which was passed in 2011, also requires signage that warns about electrical hazards.

Any lakefront property owner with questions regarding electrical safety on his or her property is strongly urged to contact an electrician, the release states.

To view the bill in its entirety, go online to www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/2011R/Acts/Act571.pdf.