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Insurance companies seem to think it's likely, but that's not saying a whole lot. I swim in an indoor pool that is in the LOWER level of an athletic center, and when the front desk hears thunder . . . out we go for 30 minutes! Stupid.
I have done extensive research on the web to find an answer to the question of getting hit by lightning while swimming. In more than 450 cases I have looked at I have found only two in which one person, who was among others swimming in the ocean, was struck by lightning, and the other was a Scuba diver, and the lightning actually struck his tank while he was coming out of the water. The first guy was Surfing, so you might even say he was not technically in the water, but on it (perhaps making him more of a target?).
I have also found that while people do not seem to be struck by lightning in the water, many, many are struck just after getting out of the water to take shelter. I've yet to find one in which people are struck by lightning in a swimming pool--recently or any time in the "ignorant" past when people "didn't know better" to get out of the water when thunder was heard.
The whole idea of a pool-full of people being killed or electrocuted from a single strike in the water is ridiculous. I know it sounds right, though, since water is a good conductor of electricity. I have even read some pretty stupid remarks by "experts" that claim when lightning hits the water it disperses throughout the entire body of water. But this is simply not true, and research shows it not to be the case (hey, where are the thousands of dead fish that should wash up on shore after a stormy afternoon at the beach?). No "expert" can actually tell the truth about this because it is "conventional knowledge" that you are not to be in the water when thunder is heard--and insurance companies wouldn't like it.
How about this one: I found one story in which a man was killed by a lightning strike while sitting in his boat (a common place for people to get struck) while his two friends, who were swimming next to the boat, looked on, completely unharmed!
Most people who are struck were hit while standing out in the open, wet with rain, not under cover. And what happens when you get out of a pool? Hmmm, suddenly you are a lightning target standing in the open!
I've found many stories of people getting struck on a clear day, in their homes, in cars, laying on the ground, under trees, standing next to Swimming Pools--in short, all the places you are advised to go to take shelter. And only two of people being struck in the water (ocean, to be specific). There are probably more out there, but good luck trying to find them.
Perhaps, if proper research was conducted, it might actually turn out that we should all be diving into water when we hear thunder!
Yes, lightning can strike a swimming pool if it is an open area with water, as water is a good conductor of electricity. It's recommended to seek shelter indoors during a thunderstorm to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning while in a pool.
No, that is allmost impossible, unless you are higher and you have something to decharge to.
If you are in the water (head above does not make you higher that anything next to the pool.)
you cannot discharge to the water. so if you will ever (there are no cases at all that claim to be) get struck by lightning, you won't even feel it.
someone on a boat discharge to the boat itself before it hits the water, which is powerfull enough to kill you, if you are next to the boat in the water, you will not be harmed.
Yes there is a very high possibility. Lightning is attracted to water and also moves through water for many miles. So you should get out of the water immediately when you hear thunder or see lightning.
Yes indeed. Never go into any body of water during a lightning or thunder storm.
Yes and it was not pleasant. It was not strong and I don't think anyone saw how close the actual strike was. I have a feeling a river can carry the current quite far. Maybe a quarter mile?
yes, lightning is attracted to water and will also travel through it.
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When was The Lightning Strike created?
The Lightning Strike was created on 2008-10-24.
Can you swim during a lighting storm in an inside pool?
Swimming during a lightning storm in an indoor pool is generally considered safe because indoor pools are grounded and protected from lightning strikes. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid swimming during a storm to minimize any potential risks.
Why is a pool dangerous during a thunderstorm?
Electricity travels fairly easily though water. Therefore, if lightning strike in or near a pool, any one in it has a good chance of being electrocuted.
Is it possible for sheet lightning to strike a person?
No, it is not possible for sheet lightning to strike a person. Sheet lightning refers to the illumination of a widespread area of the sky due to a distant thunderstorm. It does not actually involve a physical discharge of lightning that can strike objects or people.
What causes lighting to strike humans?
Lightning can strike humans when they are in close proximity to a lightning strike, such as standing under a tree or near metal objects. The human body can become a path for the electrical current to travel, resulting in a lightning strike. In such cases, the lightning can cause serious injury or even death.
If a lightning strike were to strike a swimming pool how far away could you stand without being hurt?
It is possible. The places where that could occur would be in an outdoor pool that has exposed metal or in an indoor pool with a glass door, window or ceiling.
Why is an electrical storm dangerous?
Assuming that you mean a thunder and lightning storm, it is dangerous to swim because water is a conductor to electricity similarly to metal. If the storm is close, meaning you can see the lightning, you should get out of the pool immediately because it is possible that lightning will strike the pool.
Can I put a water trampoline in my swimming pool?
I would not suggest a water trampoline for your home swimming pool. You can not control the trajectory when you jump and injuries could be caused if you strike the pool skirt.
What happens when lightning strikes an unoccupied swimming pool?
QUESTION IS A REPEAT - - CAN WE NOT EDIT OR ELIMINATE THESE ??? PLEASE....
Why is it that you are directed to get out of the water in swimming pool when there is lightining?
It is for your own safety. If the lightning strikes the water, it will hurt you.
If you are swimming in a lake or river how close would a lightning strike to the water have to be to hurt or kill you?
The distance would depend upon the force of each individual strike.
What happens when lightning hits the pool while you are swimming?
Could very well result in death of the swimmer
Is it dangerous to swim when there is lightning?
Yes, it is dangerous to swim during a lightning storm. Water is a good conductor of electricity, and being in the water increases your risk of being struck by lightning. It's always best to get out of the water when there is lightning present.
Can lightning strike a surfer?
Yes. Lightning CAN strike anything.
Why doesn't lightning strike ships?
Lightning does strike ships.
Can you swim in the swimming pool in the rain?
Swimming in light showers is normally fine, but not in an outdoor pool during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a very real risk to swimmers, and everyone should leave the pool at the first sound of thunder, or sight of lightning or dangerous clouds.
When was The Lightning Strike created?
The Lightning Strike was created on 2008-10-24.
