Lightning and Pools

Living in Florida, thunderstorms that produce lightning are not rare occurrences, particularly during the summer months. This weather occurrence coincides with the peak aquatic season, when residents and tourists turn to the ocean and swimming pools to help cool off. Because of this coincidence, it is important to be aware of all the precautions necessary to stay safe around water in the event of lightning.

Lightning’s behavior is arbitrary and random, at best. The storms that produce lightning can pop up seemingly in moments and move out just as quickly. This makes paying attention to the slightest rumblings of thunder very important.

When lightning strikes a pool, the heat from the strike is likely to cause the pool’s temperature to reach unsafe temperatures extremely quickly. In addition to the very hot water, the numerous pipes and electrical systems running under and around the pool provide an excellent source of travel for the lightning itself. This means that simply getting out of the water in the event of lightning or thunder in the area is not enough. It is important to move completely away from the pool and any pipes that might connected to it. Basically, clear the pool deck.

Another excellent target for lightning is the fence that runs around the perimeter of many pools. Metal fences are wonderful targets for lightning as they stick up in the air and are made of metal. This allows the lightning’s electricity to travel down the fence and into the ground, where it may intersect a pipe connected to the pool. Anyone standing near a fence when it is struck could easily be tossed away from the fence due to the power of the lightning.

Contact a Jacksonville Pool Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a pool area due to lightning and a lifeguard’s failure to warn or clear the pool, contact the Jacksonville pool injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Donald Guthrie at 904-296-1088.