Dear Members,           

 Recently, we have had several Y members grumbling, angered and/or complaining because the Y closes its indoor pool during thunderstorms.    

         As a swimmer myself, I can relate to the frustration of planning a swim workout and then having it interrupted or cancelled altogether because of lightning.  It is definitely irritating.           

So, why does the Y close its pool during thunderstorms?  After all, it is indoors.         

        Well, the National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI) says that even though a pool is indoors, it is still dangerous to continue pool activity as electricity can travel through indoor pipes and water IS a great electrical conductor.  NLSI guidelines say to suspend all indoor pool activity during a thunderstorm and not to resume indoor pool activity until 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.  Numerous large, respected organizations have adopted these guidelines.  Included but not limited to this list are the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), U.S. Swimming, Inc., National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the Y, the Redwoods Group (which insures most of the Ys in the U.S.), and the United States Marine Corps.     

        These are the guidelines we must follow.  First and foremost, we want to follow recognized best practices in order to keep our members safe.  Secondly, the Y would place itself in a tenuous position in regard to liability if we ignored these safety guidelines. Should a lightning incident occur resulting in injury or death, the Y could face allegations or claims of negligence.

            Hopefully, this explanation will help you understand the Y’s position on lightning and our indoor pool.  It probably will not make you any less disappointed when the lifeguard tells you that you must “get out of the water” or that the pool is closed due to lightning.  But, at least you will know they are doing their best to keep you safe based on the guidelines established by the National Lightning Safety Institute. 

            Here are a few things I do during lightning season to help insure that I get a workout in when I’m at the Y:

                      1.     Watch the weather forecast.  If storms are predicted, try to schedule your swim during the times that the probability is the lowest. 

                            If you can, mornings are best as most thunderstorms in the summer flare up in the afternoon.

                      2.     Bring other workout clothes.  If the pool closes, take a class or workout in the fitness center.  

I hope to see you in the pool,   

Tommy Parham, CEO