YMCA of the USA and the National Lightning and Safety Institute recommend that both outdoor and indoor pools be cleared during a lightning and thunderstorm. We follow the 30-minute rule at all of YMCA of Greater San Antonio pools.
Outdoor Pools:
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Lightning that is within a 10-mile radius
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Resume activities 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder
Indoor Pools:
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Lightning strike occurs within a 3-mile radius
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Resume activities 30 minutes after the last observed lightning within a 3-mile radius of the location
Why do we close our indoor pools during a storm?
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Just because a pool is surrounded by a structure does not make it safe during a storm.
LIGHTNING FACTS
- Lightning kills more people in the U.S. than hurricanes and tornados combined.
- The average storm is 6 - 10 miles wide and moves at 25 MPH.
- 13 percent of all lightning incidents involve swimming, boating or fishing.
- Thunder is usually heard up to 12 miles from a lightning strike. In other words, if you can hear thunder, you’re in danger of lightning.
- Lightning strikes can reach up to 10 miles.
That's why we follow the National Weather Service motto: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.