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Swimming in a Thunderstorm: Lightning Dangers & Safety Measures

Lightning, strong currents, and near zero visibility — find out why swimming in a thunderstorm is the path to a tragedy. Read on to learn how to spot the dangers and what to do if caught in a storm.
Danila Novikov
All-American swimmer and founder of NYC based swim school.
Imagine you are enjoying a refreshing swim in the warmth of the afternoon. The water is calm, and the sky is so bright that everything seems perfect. Suddenly, dark clouds appear on the horizon, the wind picks up, and the far-off rumble of thunder makes your heart race. In only seconds, what had been a peaceful day suddenly became a life-and-death situation.

The article discusses the immediate dangers of swimming during a thunderstorm, citing casualty statistics and injuries, sharing real-life case studies, and offering practical advice on what to do if a storm approaches while swimming. Now, equipped with the knowledge, you'll make informed decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

Let's dive right into it!

Can You Swim During a Thunderstorm?

Swimming under a thunderstorm is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

The result could be fatal directly from the lightning strikes if it hits the water you are swimming in, making it very important to get out of the water when a storm arrives. Every outdoor and indoor pool is in danger; after all, the strike can spread via any quantity of water and through the indoor facility's electrical systems as well. If you see the storm approaching, it's time to get out of the water and seek shelter.

It is undeniable that lightning always seeks the shortest path to the ground, and water is a great conductor of electricity. If it strikes in the pool you are in, the electric charge will quickly dissipate, catching nearly anyone standing within even the longest distance from where the place of the initial strike is. This quality makes water dangerous during storms because the electrical current travels far from the strike point.
water conducts electricity

Risks Associated with Swimming During a Thunderstorm

Open-Water Swimming

  • 1

    Lightning Strikes

    Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and it can travel long distances in seconds underwater. Consequently, an electrical discharge from a lightning strike can become a lethal threat to anyone within a mile-and-a-half radius. Open-water swimmers are particularly helpless during thunder and have no nearby shelter.
  • 2

    High Waves and Currents

    Wind can be so strong in thunderstorms that it produces large waves and powerful currents, further elevating the risk of drowning. Swimming to safety in such conditions may prove difficult or near impossible.
  • 3

    Low Visibility

    Heavy rain and dark clouds contribute to low visibility, making it difficult to identify hazards or swim back to shore. Any swimmer who becomes disoriented or separated from the group will be easily lost.

Outdoor Pools

  • 1

    Direct Lightning Strikes

    Direct strikes frequently occur in the pools because many are in open areas. Furthermore, pools' metal surroundings attract lightning, making them quite dangerous.
  • 2

    Ground Currents

    A nearby direct strike can send hazardous electrical currents through the surrounding ground and into your pool water, even if the strike is 100 meters away.

Indoor Pools

  • 1

    Electrical Systems

    Even though a lightning bolt may not strike the building directly, it can travel through your building's electrical system and plumbing to the pool water.
  • 2

    Structural Damage

    Severe thunderstorms can cause structural damage to buildings, posing added risks to those inside. This includes the potential for roofs to collapse or windows to shatter, creating hazardous conditions.

Casualties and Injury Statistics from Lightning Strikes

  • US Statistics

    The NOAA reports that an average of 27 deaths and 243 injuries result from lightning strikes in the United States every year. Quite a few of these incidents occur near water, and individuals should be warned of the dangers of swimming during any thunderstorm.

  • Global Statistics

    The World Health Organization (WHO) further estimates that annually, lightning kills about 24,000 people worldwide, and another 240,000 or more sustain injuries. Most of these occur in or near a body of water, showcasing the global risk associated with swimming during storms.

Detailed Statistics Breakdown

United States
The country has had several swimmers struck by lighting in the past decade. This is more common in coastal states with frequent thunderstorms, like Florida.
Europe
Many victims of swimming-related injuries and deaths from lightning include countries with long coastlines like Italy and Spain.
Asia
Lighting strikes are prevalent in Southeast Asian coastal areas, particularly in Thailand and the Philippines, where many fishermen and swimmers have also become victims of sudden lightning storms or strikes.
the real danger of the lightning storm

Case Studies and Real-Life Examples

Florida Incident, 2019

In 2019, one terrible accident occurred in Florida, a state known for its frequent storms and hurricanes. A swimmer was struck by lightning in an outdoor pool. Although the lifeguards and emergency responders reacted promptly to rescue him, he received severe injuries. This incident highlighted how imperative it is to act upon weather warnings and find shelter when a storm starts.

Alabama Teen Incident, 2020

In July 2020, a 15-year-old Alabama girl was swimming in waters just off Tybee Island in Georgia when a thunderstorm rolled out of the blue skies. The rumble of thunder that followed seemed to catch the people on the beach by surprise. The teenager was still in the water before a lightning bolt struck and sent a mighty electric current through the water. Even with the best efforts of lifeguards located near her and emergency responders who turned up promptly, the injuries she had sustained were too serious, and she died just after arrival at the hospital. The tragic episode underlines how unpredictable and lethal a lightning strike really is—especially near waterbodies.

Brazil Family Incident, 2020

In 2020, a family in Brazil barely evaded death when lightning struck an ocean near where they were swimming. Caught off guard by the storm, the family left the water promptly, escaping the horror of the lightning current. Shortly after, local authorities updated the guidelines on swimming during thunderstorms and how to respond swiftly to weather advisories. This case illustrates the global risk of thunderstorms to swimmers but shows that public awareness and preparedness can prevent severe injuries and lethal outcomes.
Let's Learn From The Mistakes

Incident Analysis

These case studies issue a stark warning of the dangers of swimming during a thunderstorm. These incidents are commonly linked to sudden storm development, proximity to water, and the rapid onset of a possible lightning strike. They spread an essential message for:

  • Monitor the weather forecast

    Get a sense of the forecast and monitor weather updates in real time. Staying up-to-date on early warnings for approaching storms is an important step to ensure the safety of your beach or pool day.

  • Instant Evacuation

    Quickly leaving the water and seeking shelter on land when the first signs of a thunderstorm appear can prevent tragedies.

  • Public Awareness

    To ensure swimmers' protection during bad weather, constant education regarding the risks and safety measures involved during thunderstorms is necessary.
step-by-step guide

What To Do If Thunderstorm Caughtes You Off Guard While Swimming

1
Keep Calm
Panic can lead to an accident. Calm down and get to a safe place.
2
Exit the water quickly
Swim to the nearest shore or the edge of the pool. Use efficient swimming strokes to get out of the water quickly.
3
Avoid tall structures and metal objects
Exit the water and avoid tall structures, metal objects, and open areas. They tend to attract the lightning and may increase your chance of being struck by it.
4
Crouch Low
If you can't get to a safe shelter, crouch low to the ground. However, stock your feet together and avoid touching your hands to the ground. In addition, such a stance reduces the chances of being hit if lightning strikes.

Detailed Survival Hints

  • Find Low Ground:

    If you are in an open space, go to the lowest ground possible. Avoid hills, ridges, and open fields.

  • Stay Away from Trees:

    As much as you'd like to run for cover underneath a tree, this is very dangerous. Quite often, the lightning strikes the highest object within that area. If one is standing under a tree, then it's fatal.

  • Stay Dry:

    If wet, don't touch anything that conducts electricity. Leave the wet area and avoid water as it is an electrical conductor.

  • Open Water:

    If you are in a lake or ocean, swim to shore immediately. The large area of water makes it more dangerous.

  • Outdoor Pools:

    Exit the pool and seek shelter inside a sturdy building. Don't take cover underneath poolside sheds and pavilions.

  • Indoor Pools:

    Evacuate the pool area and avoid water pipes, electrical systems, and metal objects.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Thunderstorm Swimming: The Deadly Gamble You Should Never Take?

Have you ever been caught in a storm while swimming? What are your thoughts on the risks associated with thunderstorm swimming? Share your experiences and insights in the comments section below. Your story might save someone else's life.