What should be done immediately upon hearing thunder?

What should be done immediately upon hearing thunder?

• A. Continue watching the patrons
• B. Sound a whistle and move to high ground
• C. Clear patrons from the water
• D. Move lifeguard chair closer to the water

Answer: (C)

Thunder means there is a risk of lightning, so the first priority is to remove people from the water. Being in the water or on wet surfaces makes swimmers much more vulnerable to a lightning strike, so the immediate action is to clear everyone from the pool and guide them to a safe shelter indoors or in an enclosed area away from the water. After everyone is in a safe location, stay there and wait for the danger to pass (typically 30 minutes after the last thunder). Actions that keep people in the water or focus on equipment or position don’t reduce that immediate risk and aren’t appropriate as the first response.

Thunder means there is a risk of lightning, so the first priority is to remove people from the water. Being in the water or on wet surfaces makes swimmers much more vulnerable to a lightning strike, so the immediate action is to clear everyone from the pool and guide them to a safe shelter indoors or in an enclosed area away from the water. After everyone is in a safe location, stay there and wait for the danger to pass (typically 30 minutes after the last thunder). Actions that keep people in the water or focus on equipment or position don’t reduce that immediate risk and aren’t appropriate as the first response.