I'd like to continue this discussion. 2" or 3" rigid is commonly used as a pole to support lights. As such, the pole is also a raceway. Assuming that the lights are at least 7 1/2 ft. above the water level, an protected by a GFI breaker, wouldn't they comply- even if the base was anchored within 5 ft. of the waters' edge? Isn't the decorative pole simply a raceway, and not a "luminaire?"
Of course, the poles within 5 ft. of the waters' edge would not be allowed to have receptacles added to the bases.
I also question the intent of the code here. Does it not make more sense to use a GFI breaker to protect the supply side of any receptacles? Do GFI makers make any effort to co-ordinate their products, so a breaker will trip at a slightly greater fault than, say, a receptacle? (As we do with overcurrent protection).
Any thoughts?
