A Couple Was Electrocuted in a Hotel Hot Tub. Here’s How That Happens and What to Do

On June 11, a couple was electrocuted in a hot tub at a resort in Mexico, tragically resulting in the husband’s death, according to a statement posted to Facebook from the state of Sonora. The couple was identified as Jorge Guillen and Lizette Zambrano of El Paso. 

In an interview with ABC News, Zambrano shared that the couple decided to get into the hot tub along with their son and a cousin. Shortly after, the couple felt the first shock. 

“The last thing I remember him saying is, ‘Oh sh—t.’ And it’s the same time that I felt the first electric shock, and then it happened over and over and over, and I didn’t hear him again,” said Zambrano.

The investigation into the cause of the hot tub electrocution is ongoing, but experts say there are some things you should know about your chances of getting electrocuted in a pool or hot tub and how to keep yourself safe this summer.

What Are the Chances of Getting Electrocuted in a Pool or Hot Tub? 

The likelihood of someone being electrocuted in a properly installed and maintained pool or hot tub is relatively low, Robert Schwaner, MD, medical director of the Department of Emergency Medicine and Chief of the Division of Toxicology at Stony Brook University Hospital, told Verywell.

"It’s not very common, thankfully,” said Schwaner. “There’s been as few as zero in a year and as many as five, but usually it’s like one or two a year—in the U.S., that is.”

According to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 47 incidents involving injury or death in hot tubs, pools, and spas over a 17-year period. These incidents resulted in 33 deaths and 33 injuries.

If you’re traveling abroad, know that the risk of electrocution can vary by location. Different countries and cities may follow distinct safety codes and standards, according to Schwaner. And since these regulations may differ, it’s unclear how safe electrical systems—including those in pools and hot tubs—will be at your destination.

“In other countries, there’s different codes for what you can and can’t [install], for where a light socket can be placed and where it can’t be placed, etc.,” said Schwaner.

How Do You Know If You're Being Electrocuted?

Electrocution occurs when an electrical current enters and goes through your body, according to Jeffrey Elder, MD, an emergency medicine physician at LCMC Health, told Verywell. You may feel a sharp pain or burning sensation or experience muscle spasms, numbness, burns, or even cardiac arrest.

“There may be contact burns at the site of the current entering and leaving the body or damage to deep muscles where the electrical energy passes through the body,” said Elder.

Schwaner added that minor shocks from light or weak currents may cause a tingling sensation and that "you generally wouldn’t feel pain, per se, but you’ll feel tingling.”

If the current is stronger, you might not have any warning signs at all other than pain and tetany— the locking up of muscles that prevents you from moving, according to Schwaner.

If you feel an electric shock, Elder said that you need to immediately get out of the water and move away from the source (if you know what it is). It’s also crucial to avoid contact with any materials that can conduct electricity, including metal and aluminum ladders or railings.

Afterward, Elder said to “dry off, tell others to avoid the hazard, and shut off electricity via the breaker, if the location is known,” to prevent further risk.

If someone is being electrocuted, immediately turn off all power sources connected to or near the pool or hot tub, or contact the appropriate authorities to do so, according to Schwaner. Call 911 and use a non-conducive, carbon fiber rod (such as a fiberglass shepherd’s crook or rescue hook) to carefully loop around the person’s body and pull them to safety.

What Treatment After Electrocution Looks Like 

Anyone who has been electrocuted or experienced an electric shock injury—even a minor one—needs to be seen by a healthcare provider, according to Schwaner.

Elder said that if symptoms, such as prolonged burning, pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or chest pain, last for more than a few seconds after electrocution, it is crucial to call 911 and get to an ER as soon as possible.

The treatment for electrocution depends on the source and how bad the injuries are but can include pain medication, intravenous (IV) fluids, nutrition support, nonsurgical treatments like antibiotic ointment and bandages, or even surgical skin grafts for severe burns. 

How Electrocution in Pools or Hot Tubs Happens

The first step to preventing electrocution in a water environment like a pool or hot tub is understanding why it happens.

Electrocution can be caused by several factors, but most are related to electrical system failures, improper use of electrical appliances, or lack of safety precautions, David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Verywell.

Some common potential causes of electrocution in pools or hot tubs include faulty underwater lighting, ungrounded sump pumps, issues with filters, defective wiring, or exposed wires, according to Elder.

Cutler said other factors can increase the risk of electrocution:

• Wet conditions: Using electrical appliances or touching electrical outlets with wet hands or in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, pools, or spas increases the risk of electrocution.
• Overloaded circuits: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or circuit. This can cause them to overheat and potentially lead to electrical fires or shocks. 
• Defective appliances: Malfunctioning electrical appliances, especially those with damaged cords or plugs.
• Lack of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are designed to cut off electricity when a ground fault occurs. Without GFCIs in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces, the risk of electrocution increases.
• Improper use of extension cords: Using extension cords incorrectly, such as running them under carpets or using them permanently, can cause damage and raise the risk of electrocution.
• Tampering with electrical systems: Attempting to repair or modify electrical systems without proper knowledge or tools. Trying to DIY anything electrical in your home or on your property can be extremely dangerous.
• Damaged outlets and switches: Cracked or broken outlets and switches can expose wiring, increasing the risk of shock.
• Lack of childproofing: Young children tampering with electrical outlets or appliances can lead to accidental electrocution. Outlets should always be properly covered to prevent kids from accessing them.
• Use of old or damaged electrical devices: Using outdated or damaged electrical devices, including tools, appliances, and wiring, that have not been inspected in years.
• Lighting strikes: Electrical surges from lighting strikes can cause electrocution if proper surge protection is not in place.
  

How to Stay Safe in a Hot Tub or Pool

For your safety, all electrical equipment in and around a pool or hot tub must be appropriately grounded, installed by a professional, and regularly maintained, according to Elder. Never enter a pool or hot tub if you notice unsecured or frayed wires contacting or near the water.

By taking precautions, such as “regular electrical inspections, proper use of applications, installation of GFCIs, and keeping electrical devices away from the water, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrocution,” said Cutler.

Here are some other things you can do to prevent electrocution and stay safe, according to Cutler: 

• Professional installation: All electrical work for your pool or spa should be done by a licensed electrician who follows local codes and standards. Install GFCIs on all electrical outlets and circuits near the pool or spa. GFCIs can cut off power quickly if a ground fault is detected.
• Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect electrical equipment, including pumps, heaters, and lights, for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Hire qualified experts to replace or repair damaged wiring, outlets, and equipment immediately and ensure all electrical connections are properly insulated and protected from water exposure.
• Proper bonding and grounding: Make sure the pool or spa and all related electrical equipment are properly bonded and grounded. This reduces the risk of electrical shock by ensuring that all metal components are electrically connected and safely grounded.
• Safe use of electrical devices: Keep all electrical devices, such as radios, speakers, and chargers, at a safe distance from the pool or spa. Consider using battery-operated devices around the pool area to minimize the risk of electrical shock. Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing in water.
• Child safety measures: Kids should always be supervised around the pool or spa. Educate them about the dangers of electricity near water. Use safety covers on electrical outlets near the pool or spa.
• Emergency preparedness: Have a plan for electrical emergencies, including knowing how to quickly shut off power to the pool or spa. Keep a non-conductive, extendable pool safety hook nearby so you can help someone in distress without risking electrocution yourself.
• Install safety equipment: Consider installing a pool alarm that detects electrical currents in the water, which can alert you if there are potential hazards. You could also install low-voltage pool lighting designed specifically for underwater use.
• Regular inspections: Have your pool or spa inspected by a professional electrician at least once a year to ensure all electrical components are functioning properly and safely.

“By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the generally low risk of electrocution and ensure a safe environment around your home pool or spa,” said Cutler.