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Inclement Weather Policy

Thunder & Lightning

Few people realize one of the most dangerous times for a fatal lightening strike is before a storm arrives. Lightning can strike up to 20 miles away from the rain area of a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. Lifeguards will clear and close all swimming and beach areas well before a storm arrives. Out of the water for 30 minutes from the last sound of Thunder & off the beach for 30 minutes from the last sight of Lightning. Another time for potential lightening danger is at the end of a thunderstorm. This is the reason a beach, once closed, will not re-open immediately after a storm has passed. The safest place to be if you are at the beach during a thunderstorm is in your car. Going under an open-sided shelter or beach pavilion will not guarantee your safety. If you can hear thunder you are in danger, lightning could strike your location at any moment.

If Outdoors:

  • Get out of the water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Stay off the beach and out of small boats or canoes. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are NOT safe. Lightning can strike the water and travel some distance beneath and away from its point of contact. Don’t stand in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.
  • Attempt to get into a building or a car.
  • If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. (If in the woods, find an area protected by low clump of trees-never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.)Be aware of potential flooding in low-lying areas.
  • Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
  • Move away from a group of people. Stay several yards away from other people. Don’t share a bleacher bench or huddle in a group. Crouch with hands on knees.
  • Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or powerlines.
  • Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.
  • Stay away from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
  • If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), Crouch with hands on knees.
  • Remove all metal objects. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND!