Lightning striking a pond?

Spydy — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 01:26:23 GMT

In the summer when I'm at the swimming pool I'm forced to leave when it gets too cloudy and there's a chance of rain. The Lifeguard at the pool says it's because there's a chance lighting will strike the pool and everyone in the swimming pool with be electrocuted.
Well, if there's a chance that lighting will strike a pool then there must be a chance that lighting will strike a pond. If lighting does strike a pond, then does life in the pond -- fish, etc. -- die as well?

RE: Lightning striking a pond?

Lido — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:43:59 GMT

I have a feeling that the lifeguard is exaggerating that everyone would be electrocuted. However you should not be in the water if there is any chance of lightening.

By the way, lightening can strike anywhere.

RE: Lightning striking a pond?

bonestructure — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:58:33 GMT

Lightning doesn't generally strike water. However, you are in a pool, everything is wet, the pool is likely surrounded by, oh, chain link, light poles, assorted targets. Lightning strikes, water transmits electricity, you get fried. I've been as close as 10 feet to a lightning strike. I love lightning, I've studied it, and it scared the shit out of me. Lightning is far more powerful than you can even imagine.

Would it kill the life in the pond? Probably not. Apart from the fact that it likely would't strike the pond (lightning tends to strike the highest or most attractive object in any give area) the electricity would skim the surface, basically, looking for the closest ground point. Water is a conductor, not a ground.

RE: Lightning striking a pond?

thunder1955 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:01:34 GMT

WATER AND ELECTRICITY DO NOT MIX AND LIGHTING AS EVERONE KNOWS IS AN ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE , SO I WOULD GRT OUT ASAP