I don't want to be writing this diary. I want to be swimming laps in the aquatic center near my house. I started swimming a few months ago to lose some weight (20 pounds so far--yippee) and get back in shape. I hate most forms of exercise, but for some reason swimming just clicked for me. But instead of swimming, I am writing this damn diary. All because of the sound of distant thunder.
There isn't much of a storm here tonight, but there have been rumbles for the last hour or two, and judging by the radar, the rumbles will continue for another few hours. I learned tonight, that most pools will not allow anyone to swim when there is thunder and lightening--any thunder or lightening. This includes all YMCAs and the aquatic center I go to. This might seem sensible, at first. But here's the thing...I am talking about indoor pools. Here are the suggestions by the National Lightning Safety Institute
Recommendations for Lightning Safety at Indoor Pools
- Recognize the threat. We suggest detection methods such as: the TV Weather Channel; an inexpensive weather radio; seeing lightning and/or hearing associated thunder; or subscription services such as www.lightningstorm.com We do not recommend expensive dedicated lightning detectors. (See more details on lightning detection).
- Identify in advance SAFE and NOT SAFE places:
* SAFE = dry areas inside large permanent buildings
* NOT SAFE = near electrical conductors, electrical equipment, metal objects (lifeguard stands, ladders, diving board stanchions), and water, including showers
- Take action to suspend activities. When lightning is within 6-8 miles, evacuate people to safe areas. Guards should secure the entrance to the pool deck.
- Determine when activities should be resumed. Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder, since lightning may visit from the back end of the passing thunderstorm.
Got that--30 minutes from the sound of thunder--just to be safe.
You might ask, what horrific pool lightening strike led to these restrictions? Well, the report explains just that.
The authors know of no databases recording deaths to persons in indoor pools.
None, nada, zilch. Of all the pools, over all these years...none, nada, zilch. The recomendations were based on the theoretical chance that lightening could hit electrical wires and travel to the pool through the lights, circulators, etc. How many times has this ever happened...none, nada, zilch.
So why didn't I swim tonight? The only answer I can come up with is that we have become a nation a fraidy cats. And I am sick of it.
Anyone else have their favorite story of excessive safety? I would love to hear, since I just heard another rumble of thunder and will not swimming for at least another 30 minutes.