Is It Safe to Swim During a Thunderstorm ?

The allure of a warm summer day often comes paired with the sound of splashing water and joyous laughter as we indulge in our favorite aquatic pastimes. However, when an unexpected storm looms on the horizon, is it really safe to keep enjoying your swim ? The answer might surprise you.

The Dangers of Thunderstorms for Swimmers

Understanding the Risks

Swimming during a thunderstorm, regardless of whether it’s just raining or if there are visible lightning strikes, is dangerous. Water acts as a conductor for electricity, which means that any lightning strike nearby can potentially electrify entire bodies of water and anyone swimming within.

The Conductivity Factor

The type of water you’re swimming in also matters. Saltwater, such as that found in oceans and seas, is a particularly good conductor, increasing the danger posed by swimming during a storm. In fact, research has shown that saltwater can carry electric current from a lightning strike much further than freshwater.

A Rare but Real Threat

While getting struck by lightning while at sea is quite rare, it’s nevertheless a real risk. Just one bolt carries nearly 100 million volts – enough to cause severe injury or even death.

Though not to be taken lightly, let’s delve into some precautions that can be taken when caught unexpectedly in such situations.

Precautions to Take When Swimming During Thunderstorms

Safety Comes First

If you happen to find yourself caught in an unexpected thunderstorm while swimming, leave the water immediately. Canada’s Ministry of Environment recommends waiting 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunderclap before returning to outdoor activities.

Listening to Lifeguards

Lifeguards are trained to recognize the signs of an approaching storm and will clear the water at the first sign of danger. Their directives should always be followed, for they act in everyone’s best interest.

The dangers don’t end with natural bodies of water; let’s examine the risks associated with swimming pools during a thunderstorm.

Specific Risks Associated With Swimming Pools During Thunderstorms

The Conductivity Factor Revisited

It’s easy to assume that swimming pools – being man-made and enclosed spaces – are safe from lightning strikes. Unfortunately, this is not true. Pools, regardless of their location or size, are filled with conductive water which can carry a lightning strike’s electrical charge.

Risks from Surrounding Infrastructure

In addition to the water itself, most swimming pools have substantial surrounding infrastructure made out of metal – another excellent conductor. Thus, even if you’re just near the pool area during a thunderstorm, you could still be at risk.

As we arm ourselves with knowledge about these potential dangers, it’s equally important to know what actions we should take if an accident occurs.

What To Do In Case Of A Thunderstorm-related Accident

Avoid Contact

If someone is struck by lightning or electrified while swimming, it’s vital not to touch them directly because they might still be carrying electrical charge. Instead, use non-conductive materials like plastic or wood to move them if necessary.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if a person seems fine after coming into contact with electricity, they should seek medical attention immediately. The effects of electric shock may not manifest immediately and could be life-threatening.

Whether it’s the thrill of swimming under the rain or simply not realizing the very real dangers posed by thunderstorms, many people underestimate this risk. As we’ve seen, any body of water – be it a sea, lake, or even a pool – is potentially fatal during a storm. So when thunder roars, go indoors; your safety and well-being are worth more than a quick dip.