The only lights that can be inside the 5' exclusion zone are listed underwater lights and *perhaps* battery operated solar lights but I defy you to find that one in the code.
Low voltage is still voltage. BTW the secondary IS NOT protected by a GFCI on the primary. In real life it is an isolation transformes so there is not really a path to ground but if some well thinking person grounds the secondary side (on purpose or by accident) you are just part of the load to the GFCI.
Up to your neck in water, 12vac will knock the snot out of you.
