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Indoor Pool Lightning Policy  
 
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We were recently contacted by a nurse researcher regarding lightning policies concerning indoor pools.

Here’s what she asked:
I am contacting you about a "lightning policy" at our Parks and Recreation indoor pool.  The National Electric Code Article 250 — Sections 250.1 through 250.4 require that indoor pools be grounded and safe from lightning strikes. According to management at the facility, which closes the indoor pool when pool staff hear thunder or see lightning outdoors, there is a risk of lightning strikes to indoor pool patrons.  As I am sure you are aware, there has never been a reported incident of a patron being killed by lightning in an indoor pool.

The closing of indoor pools during storms has recently been deemed an "urban legend" because there is no scientific evidence of the need for this policy.  The National Lightning Safety Institute, founded by Richard Kithil, recommends closing indoor pools based on the results of an Internet Google search of "indoor pool and lightning" (http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/indoor_pools.html).  The NLSI also lists several organizations who have position statements/policies that require indoor pools to close during storms.  These organizations either do NOT have these policies or their policies are based on the NLSI recommendation following the Google search. I have tried to contact the NLSI but none of the contact links are valid.

My query to you is to ascertain whether there is a legitimate risk to patrons at an indoor pool that has facilities up to code (NEC 250).   I have read several documents that support not closing indoor pools during storms. Thank you for your help.

The nurse researcher and her team are currently conducting a study to determine if patrons are being placed at risk by leaving indoor pool facilities during thunderstorms.

 

What do you think? We’d like to hear from you, so post your comment below. Dr. Hardin-Fanning, the nurse researcher can be contacted directly at fdbowe2@uky.edu.

 

Mike Holt’s comment: It’s a myth!
http://www.sportrisk.com/2011/08/the-myth-around-closing-indoor-pools-when-theres-lightning/
http://www.aquaticsintl.com/safety/when-lightning-strikes.aspx

 

 

 
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Comments

  • In my opinion, there are too many variables to make an all-inclusive and universal rule for indoor swimming facilities and lightning. It's very difficult to explain or prove a negative or find evidence in absence. We have the same problem with proving the effectiveness of GFCIs, AFCIs, and TR receptacles.

    Take for instance the fact that the CPSC has not reported a single injury or death as a result of a lightning strike to an indoor swimming facility. Is that true because it is safe to swim indoors during a storm or is because people get out of indoor pools during storms so injury and death is not likely to occur. If we were to change that policy and say swimming at indoor pools is safe, would the occurrence of injury and death start to rise? Why take that chance?

    Sometimes, safety rules and safety equipment need to be seen as an insurance policy. None of us want to get sick, in a car accident, or electrocuted. So, we have insurance polices to protect against those "what-ifs" in life. We all agree that rules should not be placed in the code based on what-ifs unless there is compelling evidence the absence of at that rule has led to loss of life or property. Many of our current code rules are based on the premise that something bad is likely to occur in the future but not necessarily guaranteed to occur.

    The same holds true for lightning safety. I feel this quote from the NLSI white paper sums it up nicely:

    "There is a built-in conflict between indoor pool activities and lightning safety. Both recreational swimming and competitive swimming events are based upon three icons of *Entertainment*, Health, and Pleasure. Lightning safety is founded on stopping all those forms of enjoyment. A Risk Management/Safety Professional will err on the side of caution every time and will be found harmless from allegations or claims of negligence. Such a conservative approach will find many objectors. Safety, however, is the prevailing directive."

    Bryan P Holland  October 30 2015, 9:51 am EDT
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