One of the most perilous activities you can engage in during a thunderstorm is swimming, whether in a pool, at the beach, or in a river. Thunderstorms typically bring lightning, which poses a serious risk of electrocution. It is always safest to remain indoors during such weather. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and saltwater is particularly efficient at conducting electric currents. Therefore, it is crucial to steer clear of oceans, lakes, and even outdoor pools during a storm. You might wonder just how dangerous these conditions can be, how safe your area is from an approaching storm, what to do if lightning strikes while you’re in the water, and whether there are alerts available for impending storms. In this article, we will address these questions, backed by facts and figures, because understanding the science behind these hazards can help you find effective solutions.
How Powerful Are Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are almost always accompanied by lightning, which is why you see a flash of light before hearing the thunder. This phenomenon occurs because light travels faster than sound. Lightning can be defined as an electrostatic discharge, happening when there’s a static charge between clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. These static charges can be incredibly powerful, which explains why lightning can travel in various directions. The voltage in a single lightning strike can exceed 100 million volts, a charge strong enough to convert solid matter into gas. The temperature surrounding a lightning bolt can reach around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes only a fraction of a second for lightning to strike, and being in any body of water during such an event is highly dangerous. While it’s well-known that lightning can strike someone standing under a tree, the key takeaway is clear: when it rains, seek refuge indoors.
When Lightning Strikes the Water
With lightning being this powerful, you may wonder why fish are not electrocuted when it strikes water. This is a valid question. Lightning often strikes in oceanic areas, and when it does hit the surface of a water body, the electrical charges tend to spread only on the surface rather than penetrating deeply. The horizontal spread of these charges depends on the voltage of the lightning strike. Research on lightning strikes is limited, which is why we don’t see fish floating on the surface after a storm. Another danger of lightning strikes is the tremendous sound they produce; if a strike occurs nearby, you could even risk going deaf. Thunder can reach sound levels of approximately 250 decibels, which is loud enough to cause hearing damage. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid swimming during thunderstorms.
If the Storm Happens Unexpectedly
There are occasions when clouds gather rapidly, and lightning can strike without warning. If you find yourself in the water when a lightning strike occurs nearby, the best course of action is to exit the water as quickly as possible; any delay could be fatal. If you’re on the beach, sprint to the nearest shelter. If you are swimming far from shore and believe you won’t make it in time, diving deep might be your best option. Lightning strikes occur in the blink of an eye, and the lethal current disperses quickly on the water’s surface. Your priority should always be survival. Therefore, if lightning strikes while you are in the water, your two options are to either dive deep for a few moments or evacuate the pool as fast as you can.
Safe Distance
The estimated distance a lightning bolt can strike from its originating cloud is about 10 miles, according to researchers. Even if it’s not raining where you are, you remain at risk of being struck. When you hear the first rumble of thunder, your two choices are to exit the pool immediately or wait and see how close the storm is. The safer option is to leave the pool as soon as you hear thunder. However, if you choose to wait, it’s crucial to have someone acting as a lookout to help time the process using the 30-30 rule. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds after seeing a lightning flash, it indicates that the lightning is within a 6-mile radius. This means that for every 5 seconds that pass, the strike gets one mile closer. To clarify, the person on lookout should start a timer as soon as they see a flash of lightning. Any mistakes in timing could be fatal, especially as the storm approaches. The safest course of action is to seek shelter unless the timer indicates that the thunder is more than 20 miles away. After the last flash of lightning, it’s advisable to wait for 30 minutes before resuming swimming.
Are There Forecast Services That Alert You If Lightning Is Approaching?
Yes, there are several private forecasting services that provide alerts regarding severe weather, especially in areas prone to lightning. After subscribing, you will receive timely data. Additionally, the National Lightning Detection Network offers alerts, although they can be costly. If you are a park owner, beach guard, or concerned parent, it’s worth seeking information from these organizations to ensure safety. The National Lightning Detection Network employs advanced technology to alert individuals about approaching lightning. Engineers utilize devices known as GLM to detect and transmit critical data, which is then shared with news outlets. Even if you can’t subscribe to a service, enabling news alerts on your phone can keep you updated, as many states offer local weather information. Staying safe from lightning is an expensive endeavor for any state, as the detection systems in the U.S. monitor about 100,000 thunderstorms annually.
What If I Am Swimming Indoors?
Let’s clarify: water itself does not attract thunderstorms; it is simply a medium through which electricity can travel. Many believe swimming in indoor pools is a safer alternative; however, this is a misconception. The area surrounding indoor pools is often filled with power lines, telephone lines, and plumbing systems. If lightning strikes near an indoor pool, the electrical surge can still penetrate the pool through these conduits. This is why using a telephone during thunderstorms is considered dangerous, as telephone lines can conduct lightning strikes. Therefore, when you hear thunder, it’s imperative to leave the pool and seek shelter. Some may argue that the current will dissipate and the risk of electrocution is reduced. However, the amount of current in a lightning strike can reach about 30,000 Amperes. A small indoor pool cannot effectively disperse such an immense charge safely, so it is crucial to vacate the pool during thunderstorms.
How About Swimming in Fresh Water as Opposed To Salt Water
While it is true that water hardness influences conductivity, the determining factor in this context is the amount of current that can be conducted. Freshwater contains fewer ions, which are responsible for electrical conduction. In contrast, saltwater has a higher concentration of ions, making it a more efficient conductor. If lightning discharges in freshwater, the consequences can be severe, but if it occurs in saltwater, the results can be even more disastrous. This is a theoretical conclusion that requires further examination. Ultimately, lightning does not discriminate based on water salinity.
During Tornadoes
Swimming during a tornado is particularly hazardous, especially since tornadoes are often accompanied by thunderstorms. Tornadoes create powerful winds that can empty a pool in seconds and can also hurl debris hundreds of feet into the air. Hiding underwater is not advisable during a tornado, as you may survive the winds but could become trapped under debris. Additionally, lightning often accompanies tornadoes, posing a dual threat of electrocution and physical harm. Fortunately, the National Weather Service provides alerts for severe weather, using advanced instruments and satellite imagery to warn residents ahead of time. Yet, tornadoes can form quickly and without warning. Therefore, during weather-sensitive seasons, remain vigilant and aware of changing weather conditions.
Hailstones
Hailstorms can also accompany thunderstorms and tornadoes. Hail consists of frozen water forming ice pellets of varying sizes. These hailstones can strike you whether you are in the pool or standing nearby. During a storm, it’s best to avoid open areas. A one-centimeter hailstone can hit the ground at a speed of 9 m/s, with the size of the hailstone affecting its impact speed. Even when seeking shelter indoors, it’s wise to stay away from windows and glass structures, as hailstones can shatter glass and cause injuries. For added protection, consider applying plastic tape to windows to minimize the risk of shattering. Avoid seeking shelter under trees or tents during hailstorms; your best bet is to stay indoors.
Bottom Line
By now, you should understand why swimming during thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hailstorms is highly dangerous. The amount of current in a lightning strike is capable of melting sand, and we haven’t even touched on the risk of hearing damage. Whenever you hear thunder, prioritize your safety: exit the water, whether in outdoor or indoor pools. Water is a conductor of electricity, and staying in it could lead to severe injury or even death. The effective strike distance is approximately 10 miles. If you hear thunder close by, it’s time to act. Utilize the flash-to-bang method or rely on alerts from national services and local broadcasts to keep yourself safe.