Lightning Strike at Hong Kong Pool Sparks Calls for Stricter Safety Measures

A lightning strike at a Hong Kong swimming pool has prompted calls for mandatory closures of outdoor public venues during thundery weather and stronger protection measures.

One day after the incident on Saturday, experts told the South China Morning Post that extra caution was needed at venues such as swimming pools because water was highly conductive and lightning-protection systems were not foolproof.

On Saturday morning, while a thunderstorm warning was in force, lightning struck a diving platform at the Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, shattering the corner edge and leaving a burn mark, while swimmers were in the water.

Nick Wu Kai-wing, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union, said existing guidelines do not require public pools to close when such a warning is issued.

“Depending on the actual conditions, if the weather gets bad all of a sudden – with heavy rain and loud thunder – lifeguards receive instructions from their supervisors and advise swimmers to get out of 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.”