CORPORATE POLICY MANUAL

TITLE: SUPERVISION DIVISION: Recreation

No: 3. Supervision during Thunderstorms CROSS REF. (Policy #):
PREPARED BY: Jean-Christophe MARCHIN APPROVED BY:
Director of Recreation Projects Regional
REVIEWED/UPDATED ON: 2nd September 2005 LAST ISSUE:
DISTRIBUTED TO:

PURPOSE:
To provide guidance on safe practice for the supervision of outdoor swimming pools
during thunderstorms and lightning conditions.

DESCRIPTION:
Outdoor Swimming Pools
The presence of lightning around an outdoor swimming pool is a safety risk. There are a
number of factors that need to be considered, such as the surrounding environment and
structure.

The outdoor swimming pool with spacious grounds, maybe at a greater risk than other
pools. If there are structures such as diving towers or slide towers, precautions must be
taken. For example, the erection of a lightning conductor, higher than the tower, will
reduce the likelihood of a lightning strike hitting the towers.

Supervision
Note: A flash-to-bang measurement of approximately 15 seconds indicates that the
lightning is 5km away. A measurement of 15 seconds or less requires that immediate
action be taken.
a] The closure of the swimming pool is required when lightning is within 5km of the
aquatic venue.
b] Use the "flash-to-bang" method, by measuring the time between a lightning flash and
the thunder clap, to make a rough measure of the distance.
c] When lightning is less than 5km away, people occupying the pool and pool surrounds
must be evacuated to a covered area, which provides sufficient electrical earth for a
lightning strike. Do not use the Gazebos, marquees and trees that are not lightning
proof.
d] Electrical equipment must not be used during electrical storms.
e] The use of portable, battery-powered PA systems (E.g. loud hailer) may be
considered when the storm is very close, since fixed-installation PA systems may be
struck by lightning.
f] Telephones must not be used during electrical storms.

Access to the pool and its surrounds should be allowed only when the storm has moved
further away than 5km or has subsided.

First Aid

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 Supervision - Supervision during Thunderstorms

Anyone struck by lightning should be rescued as soon as it is safe to do so.

a] The safety of the rescuers must be considered.
b] The casualty must be moved to a covered area, assessed and treated (See
document in Folder D: First Aid – 3. First Aid for Burns).

Monitoring
If there are areas weather warnings issued, they must be monitored by radio or
telephone, if and when safe to do so.

Detailed monitoring is available through the Bureau of Meteorology in each Country.

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