Storms and Water Safety

Article by: Dayle Rothman

Do you know when and why to get out of the water? You’re at the beach and dark clouds start rolling in, what do you do? You’re at the community pool and the sky is clear but you hear thunder, does that mean you must get out of the water? The Swimming Swan’s number 1 goal is to keep you safely swimming and that includes water safety during storms. 

 

Electricity and water are a deadly combination!

The risk of being struck by lightning in the water is real and extremely dangerous. Lightning typically strikes wide open flat surfaces and searches for the highest point. When you are swimming in a lake or the ocean your head bobbing out of the water may be the highest point for miles making it a favorite target. A direct lightning strike is terrifying, but it’s often an indirect strike that can still reach you several feet away. According to the US National Weather Service a typical lightning flash measures about 300 million volts and 30,000 amps. which is more than enough to kill. When lightning strikes water it travels horizontally along the surface which is why it’s more hazardous to swimmers than fish who swim deeper. Swimming pools both indoor and outdoor are also to be avoided during electrical storms since there are metal pipes in and around the pools that can attract the electricity. Storms are frequently regarded as a summer issue but they can pop up any time of the year and should always be taken seriously. Here are the recommended guidelines you should follow to keep you and your family safe during storms.

 

• We advise always checking the upcoming weather before planning a day at the lake or beach. If storms are predicted, consider postponing your plans to avoid unnecessary danger.

 

• If you hear thunder or see lightning get out of the water immediately! Follow the CDC’s 30-30 rule to assess how far off the storm is after you have exited the water. Count to 30 after the initial roar and if you don’t reach 30 before the next roar of thunder or bolt of lightning automatically suspend all water activity for at least 30 minutes.

 

• Taking shelter can be tricky if you are at the lake or beach. If a storm rolls in quickly your car may be the best form of shelter. Avoid concrete structures since there are metal pipes that can conduct electricity through the structure. 

 

• If there is no shelter available, the CDC recommends crouching low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible.

 

This article is brought to you by: The Swimming Swan

from Swim Lessons and Private Lifeguard Services https://theswimmingswan.com/storms-and-water-safety
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Lifeguard Certification Courses in San Diego County, California

Lifeguard Certification Courses in San Diego

Is swimming as natural as breathing to you? Are you living in the San Diego vicinity and dreaming of spending your days by the water but need to make some money too? Do you enjoy being there to help others and want to be a part of your community? If you answered yes to these questions, then The Swimming Swan is here to help you achieve success! We are Licensed Training Providers of the American Red Cross with decades of professional experience. 

Our 2-day Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED course is the first step to your new dream job by the water. The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services EMS personnel take over. You must be at least 15 years old, pass a 300-yard continuous swim test in front crawl or breaststroke, and capable of treading water for 2 minutes using only your legs. You will also be required to complete the Red Cross 7 hour online coursework prior to the first day and bring a print out with you for verification.

Do you have a few friends also interested in becoming lifeguards? We work with any group of 5 or more and our instructors will travel to you for on-site group training. For group training we will need access to a pool that is at least 82 degrees, has a deep end of 7-feet, and a comfortable classroom setting. You are flying solo that’s great too, check our calendar of available public courses.

We currently offer lifeguard certification courses at 2 locations within San Diego that you may already be familiar with. Green Oak Ranch Retreat and Event Center is 142 acres of beauty with a rich history of helping those in need. The pool overlooks the undeveloped hills around the ranch and is a serene setting to spend your days. The Ranch is under 30 minutes from anywhere in North San Diego County.

If you are looking for more action and want to be closer to the beach, The Plunge is one of the largest indoor pools in Southern California and recently renovated with floor to ceiling windows. The Plunge is open year-round thanks to a retractable roof and features recreational swim with access to “the best inflatable obstacle course in San Diego”. They also offer lane swimming, multiple water aerobics classes, and Plunge Masters Swim Team. With all of this activity and private parties too, this location will be humming with action daily! 

This article is brought to you by: The Swimming Swan

 

from Swim Lessons and Private Lifeguard Services https://theswimmingswan.com/lifeguard-certification-courses-in-san-diego-county-california
via https://theswimmingswan.com