02 Feb Why Swimming In The Ocean During A Thunderstorm Is A Dangerous Activity
Last week, a devastating incident occurred at a beach in Wollongong where a 10-year-old child was struck by lightning while swimming in the ocean. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from swimming in the ocean during thunderstorms.
Lightning is attracted to the ocean because it is a vast expanse of saltwater, which conducts electricity. This means that if you are in the ocean during a thunderstorm, you are at a higher risk of being struck by lightning.
Lightning strikes can be fatal, and even if you survive, you can suffer from serious injuries such as burns, heart attacks, and nerve damage. The currents from a lightning strike can also cause drowning if you become unconscious in the water at the time of the strike.
If you are caught in the ocean during a thunderstorm, the best thing to do is to get out of the water as quickly as possible and seek shelter on shore. If you cannot get to shore, that is if you are on a boat, try to stay as low as possible in and avoid standing or sitting in open areas like a aft deck.
If someone is struck by lightning, it is important to give them first aid as quickly as possible. The first thing to do is to call for emergency medical services and get them out of the water. Begin CPR if the person is not breathing. It is also important to check for burns and other injuries.
It is also important to remember that lightning can strike even if the storm is not directly overhead, so it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid swimming in the ocean if there are thunderstorms in the area.
To put it simply, swimming in the ocean during a thunderstorm is unsafe due to the risk of lightning strikes. If someone is struck by lightning, it is important to give them first aid as quickly as possible and call for emergency medical services. To stay safe, avoid swimming in the ocean during a thunderstorm and seek shelter on shore if a storm is approaching