A lightning strike on a swimming pool in Hong Kong has sparked calls for mandatory closures of outdoor public venues during thunderstorms and for stronger lightning‑protection protocols.
One day after the incident, experts advised the South China Morning Post that extra caution is needed at facilities such as swimming pools, where water’s high conductivity and imperfect protection systems can create hazardous conditions.
On Saturday morning, amid a thunderstorm warning, lightning struck a diving platform at the Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, breaking the corner edge and leaving a burn mark while swimmers were still in the water.
Nick Wu Kai‑wing, vice‑chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union, explained that current guidelines do not require public pools to close when a thunderstorm warning is issued.
“Depending on the actual conditions, if the weather turns severe—heavy rain and loud thunder—lifeguards receive instructions from their supervisors and advise swimmers to leave the pool, with the message broadcast as well,” he said.
“However, it often takes time to clear the pool. Swimmers need to queue for ladders, and some cannot hear us … Lifeguards also face pressure if conditions improve quickly.”
Also Read
- Bulls roar at PSX, KSE-100 up nearly 4,400 points amid US-Iran peace deal – Business Recorder
- G7 Summit Opens in France Amid Fresh US‑Iran Accord and Global Challenges
- Higher Interest Rates May Be Coming. Here’s Why That’s Bearish for Crypto.
- G7 Summit in France Follows US‑Iran Accord to End Hostilities
