The voltage used to fire the flash is DC. That is how capacitors store energy. It is transformed from low voltage to high voltage by converting it to AC and then back to DC. Modern power packs use switching converters, a little different, but still the same idea. When using line powered equipment near water, a ground fault interrupter should always be used. I carry a portable one with me. This won't do anything to remove the DC from the capacitors, but will disconnect the AC quickly. Battery powered equipment is different. There is no ground to protect you unless you make one. Even then, if there is no GFI involved, there isn't much protection. The most important thing is to keep wet things away from power supplies. Make sure that your power packs and heads are dry and don't move them with power on. Keep the wet people away from the powered equipment. The scenario of killing someone by throwing a strobe into the water is not likely. As long as no one is touching any powered equipment, they are not likely to be injured. We get hurt when we touch a piece of powered equipment and become the path for the short circuit. The person who is in the greatest danger is the person who handles the lights.
Bill
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