A Golfer's Guide To Lightning Safety
By Scott Cimini on April 17, 2012, 10:11am
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New England golfers got a treat this spring with unseasonably warm temperatures and very low rain totals. You’ve all heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers” but so far this April has been more like “April weather brings golfers together”. With golf season in full swing it’s important to remember some essential weather safety when taking to the links this year. This article will cover the topic of lightning safety.
Here are some lightning facts:
- Lightning is arbitrary, random, and unpredictable
- 5% of all Lightning incidents occur on a Golf Course
- 84% of Lightning Strike Victims are Male (16% Female)
- Lightning is the 2nd Deadliest Weather Phenomenon in the United States
- Only 10% of Strike Victims Die, the other 90% usually suffer lifelong injury and disease
- Most Incidents occur from June through August during the hours of 2:00 to 6:00 PM, unfortunately this is when most will golf
- Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Before you tee off, make sure you are aware of the current weather situation for the day. Always be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on the sky. Listen for thunder. Look for towering cumulus clouds, darkening skies, increasing wind, sudden decrease in temperature, and/or flashes of light. Remember most thunderstorms do not form until the afternoon, so to ensure a thunderstorm free round - Tee off in the morning.
A storm that is far away can still produce lightning that can strike you. If you hear thunder you are at risk. If the time between the sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less from the initial flash, then seek shelter immediately. Seek shelter in the clubhouse or nearby enclosed vehicle. Always know where the nearest shelter is and how long it will take to get there. Avoid shelters on the golf course, as they are open and do not protect against lightning.
If you are caught out in the open during a thunderstorm, stay away from trees, water, hills, and metal objects including your golf clubs and cart. Find a low place, such as a ravine or valley. Crouch down so you are not the highest object, place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Never lay flat on the ground. Also, do not stay in your group because lightning could "jump" from person to person if close enough. Lightning can spread out some 20 yards (60 feet) upon striking the Earth's surface.
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