Is it dangerous to swim during a thunderstorm?
Swimming in a thunderstorm with lightning present is not safe, whether you're in the ocean or a pool. A body of water is the equivalent of putting a hairdryer in a bath, and because water conducts electricity, lightning is more likely to strike water than land.
A: Swimming during a thunderstorm is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Lightning regularly strikes water, and since water conducts electricity, a nearby lightning strike could kill or injure you. Any time you hear thunder, or see lightning, you should get out of the water and into a safe place.
Lightning often strikes water, and water conducts electricity. That means that the currents from a lightning strike can seriously injure you. In fact, it can even kill you. This is why, when you hear thunder or see lightning, it's a good idea to avoid the pool, beach and any other large body of water.
Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring." So it sounds plausible that it could happen to you. But according to Aquatic Safety Research Group, "There are no documented reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools. None!
If you're in electrified water, you may suffer electric shock and burns, even if lightning doesn't hit you directly. You can die from indirect lightning strikes in pools, so you should avoid swimming during thunderstorms.
An autopsy Friday found that Gonzalo Cid, 13, and his 11-year-old buddy, Matthew Benjamin, both of Coconut Creek, just west of Pompano Beach, drowned after lightning struck the community pool in which they were swimming sometime between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Thursday.
before the thunder. For every (5) seconds of F-B the lightning is approximately one (1) mile away. This procedure applies to both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, which are connected to much larger surface area of underground water pipes, gas lines, electric and telephone wiring.
Do not return to the pool until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning is sighted or thunder heard. Check the radio or online for weather service warnings to make certain all is clear.
Stay away from the pool during rain showers, and if you must enter the area for whatever reason, bring someone along so you aren't alone around the water. What's more, swimming in cold water while additional drops pours over your head can make you get hypothermia.
That combined with the methane gas in poop caused the bomb-like effect that traveled through the pipes, exploding the toilet in their master bathroom. The plumbing company said this is just as rare as getting struck by lightning yourself. Luckily, the mess will be covered by insurance.
Where do most lightning deaths occur?
Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have the most lightning deaths and injuries. Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.
Statistics from the US show that between 2006 and 2015, there were 71 water related deaths from lightning strikes of which 20% were of people in boats and 8% were swimming.
There were 11 U.S. deaths in 2021, compared to a 15-year average of 36. Possible reasons: CPR education and fewer agricultural workers. As it often does, Florida recorded more deaths from lightning strikes than any other state in 2021.
Your best bet is to designate someone as the lookout. Then use the 30-30 rule: when you see the flash of lightning, count to 30. If you hear the thunder at or before 30 seconds, you're within 6 miles of the storm, and you'll want to get out of the water and seek shelter.
Avoid contact with open waters during rainstorms to reduce your chances of encountering dangerous conditions. It's also a good idea to stay away from your pool when it's raining because your deck and other surface areas can be more slippery than usual.
Open Water
Additionally, rains can cause bacteria and other harmful matter to be washed into the ocean and waterways; therefore, swimming should be avoided during and for 12 to 24 hours following heavy storms.
An autopsy Friday found that Gonzalo Cid, 13, and his 11-year-old buddy, Matthew Benjamin, both of Coconut Creek, just west of Pompano Beach, drowned after lightning struck the community pool in which they were swimming sometime between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Thursday.
Do not return to the pool until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning is sighted or thunder heard. Check the radio or online for weather service warnings to make certain all is clear.
When you leave the water, you are taller and dripping wet, which sounds like a potentially fatal combination. It's no use running to the nearest tree for shelter either. Your best bet is to get inside a building as quickly as possible or, failing that, a car, even if you do risk spoiling the seats.
1) Why is it risky to go in the water after it rains? Storm water runoff can pick up bacteria, fertilizers, oil, sewage, and other contaminants on its journey into our oceans and waterways.
Should I shock my pool if its going to rain?
You want your water at the ready to fight off new bacteria introduced by the rain—and this will minimize the work it'll take to restore your water later. Again, you need to know about the weather ahead of time: as always, you should only add pool shock at dusk or night.
Therefore, if it is stormy and you, your kids, or anyone is in the pool, it is time to get out of the water. Since water conducts electricity so well, there is no safe place in the water during an electrical storm. Lightning current dissipates in all directions.
Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have the most lightning deaths and injuries. Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.