07.16.07
Rain Delay
I had an unusual thing happen last week at the indoor pool. I was told that I could not use the pool because it was thundering and lightning outside. When I brought this up with Dave, he questioned whether lightning strikes to pools or lakes actually happen. Well, Dave, I am sorry to report that you should stop swimming at the club when it is storming overhead. I found this online:
“Question:
Is it necessary to evacuate a pool during lightning?
Yes. There are a few cases in and around swimming pools every year in the U.S. During the summer of 2000, two boys were killed at an outdoor pool in Florida. Documented cases of indoor pool lightning victims are scarce. The whole indoor or outdoor pool complex should be considered unsafe during lightning unless proven otherwise. The open surface of the pool is one factor, but the power, plumbing, and mechanical connections to the pool are a very important factor, too. Water and electric lines are very good conductors. The most likely scenario is for lightning to hit a utility pole outside a pool. The current then travels through wires into the pool area. Every pool has a pump, and the pump is designed to move water. That connection can be the site of a transfer of lightning current from the power system into water in the pool, then to wading pools, the shower area, and anywhere there is standing water. Everyone in contact with water in the complex could be a lightning strike victim. Lightning safety experts recommend staying out of the water for 30 minutes after the last flash or thunder. Studies found that waiting 30 minutes eliminates most lightning risks as the storm leaves the area.” - - The quote is from a FQA about
lightning safety where you will find a ton of other information as well.
So it looks like just being inside an indoor pool facility is risky with lightning, in or out of the water. It also looks like the risk of lightning strikes in an outdoor pool is real, not some myth that is propagated by swimmers and runners who cross-train in the water. After all, we know the latter group can get carried away at times, with one such nut relaying unwitnessed harrowing tales of crazed owl attacks.
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joan said,
July 16, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Rob,
I once had a bolt of lightening strike the ground between my running partner, Josephine White, and myself - back in 1986. We were unwisely cooling down in a thunderstorm when we heard the crack, then an immediate brilliant flash hit the trail - actually scorched the trail - but we were unharmed. Both of us felt a shock of electricity (like you might if you screwed in a lightbulb with wet hands); we stared at each other in disbelief … and relief … that we weren’t dead.
Dave said,
July 16, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I guess that settles it then. I’m still a little skeptical - a part of me is convinced this is an excuse for lifeguards to close down the pool. And the most recent case is in the year 2000? Hmm.
Tori said,
July 17, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Dave I must side with you on this random item and have quite often been thwarted, perturbed, and upset by the whole indoor pool complex closing due to thunder and lightening.
When outside with lightening - I conceed and will gladly get out of the pool promptly to save my life. If it is thunder - I am a bit more skeptical - I know there is a common belief that one follows the other, however many times there I have heard thunder and alas no lightening while I sit on the side of the pool waiting.
However, I was annoyed to find all the indoor complexes around here close at the sound of thunder (and/or sight of lightening). It was explained to me that the lightening could come through the pipes into the pool and I thought it was due to the “oldness” of the facility, but was corrected when newer facilities also have this practice. So, regardless I could not swim (arg) and understand, but still really fail to see with indoor pools closing at thunder. I mean isn’t the whole point of it being indoors is so that you can use it regardless of the weather?
I do not remember the BU indoor pool ever closing for such events (which do happen in up there) and of course coming from California - this was all very frustratingly unusual for me.
So, I must say I’m still perturbed and on the side with Dave for indoor pools closing at the sound of thunder…yet lightening is a whole ‘nother story. And honestly the lifeguards have to the be there waiting anyways, so might as well be on the guard tower…hhmmm…