Will I get an electric shock?Updated a year ago

Shark Shield Technology works by emitting an electrical signal between two visible stainless-steel electrodes which are located at the top and bottom of the antenna, depending on the model. If you come in contact with this electrical field, you will feel it.

If using the FREEDOM+ Surf on a board under 6'6" you are likely to feel it, particularly when duck diving, you'll feel it on the fingers. Generally, on a board over 6'6" with volume, you will not feel it at all unless you touch the electrodes.

So that you don't feel it on boards under 6'6", we recommend using the FREEDOM+ Surf - SHORTBOARD or Tail Pad / Antenna - SHORTBOARD.

Historically, our customers have told us that feeling the electrical field provides comfort by knowing the device is active. You know our devices are active and working! 

To produce a protective electrical field of an effective size the electrical signal needs to be strong. When accidentally placing your hand near or on the antenna the electrical field may cause stimulation of the surface muscles of the skin. This may differ for each person and the feeling is similar to that of a static electrical shock.  

The amount of stimulation is minimal if accidentally touching the antenna while it is fully submerged. The reason for this is that the easiest path for the electrical signal is to flow, is between the two electrodes through the water, rather than through the user. 

A higher amount of stimulation may occur if the user accidentally lifts one of the electrodes out of the water with their hand or other parts of their body. The reason for this is that the user then becomes part of the current path between the two electrodes. 

For comparison's sake, Ocean Guardian only emits up to 85 volts of electric power; whereas electroconvulsive therapy, used to treat depression, would be between 225 volts and 450 volts. Therefore, the Ocean Guardian shock will only be light and would not affect you in anyway other than a little shock.

Recommendations:

Keep the antenna submerged at all times. 

If using a SCUBA7 unit (for diving), then it is recommended that you wear a wetsuit. 

If using a FREEDOM7 for scuba diving or snorkeling, to reduce the risk of the antenna accidentally touching your body then secure the initial length of antenna from the electronic housing to your fin. The method of attachment should be with something similar to a plastic cable tie. Do not use a metal fastening device or a system that significantly covers the antenna electrode. 

We recommend using the FREEDOM+ Surf SHORTBOARD and Tail Pad / Antenna SHORTBOARD on boards under 6'6".

If you're experiencing shocks on your hand with the eSPEAR, we recommend you use a dive glove.

WARNING: A large pulsing current is emitted from the Shark Shield antenna to produce the protective electric field. Anyone with any electronic medical device (EMD) such as a pacemaker, who is pregnant, or has a health condition which could be affected by the electric field, should not use the device. Some examples of health conditions include heart disease, a history of heart problems, peripheral vascular decease, stroke, a history of fainting or epilepsy, or lung disease. Users unintentionally being in close proximity, or in contact with the antenna, may possibly suffer muscle spasms in varying degrees; we recommend that users may need to make adjustments to limit contact in these situations.