Nick Wu, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union, has noted that current guidelines do not mandate the closure of public swimming pools during thunderstorms.
A lightning strike at a Hong Kong swimming pool has sparked calls for mandatory shutdowns of outdoor public venues during stormy weather and improved protective measures.
One day after Saturday’s incident, experts told the South China Morning Post that extra caution was necessary at locations like swimming pools, as water is highly conductive and lightning-protection systems are not entirely reliable.
On Saturday morning, while a thunderstorm warning was in effect, lightning hit a diving platform at the Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, shattering a corner edge and leaving a scorch mark, as swimmers remained in the water.
Nick Wu Kai-wing, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union, stated that existing guidelines do not require public pools to close when such a warning is in place.
“Depending on the actual conditions, if the weather turns bad suddenly – with heavy rain and loud thunder – lifeguards receive directions from their supervisors and instruct swimmers to exit the pool, and an announcement is also made,” he said.
“However, it often takes time to clear the pool. Swimmers have to wait in line for ladders, and some cannot hear us … Lifeguards also face pressure if conditions improve quickly.”