Purpose
To outline the procedure for lifesaving services in conditions where lightning strikes may occur.
In statistical terms lightning poses a greater threat to individuals than almost any other natural hazard in Australia, accounting for five to ten lives lost and well over 100 injuries annually.
Policy
The 30/30 Rule
The ‘30/30 Rule’ is recommended for lightning safety in the Australian Standard on Lightning Protection.
Procedure
Closure of Patrolled Area
Where the flash to bang count is less than 30 seconds, this indicates that the lightning is less than 10km away. In this circumstance, the following action should be taken:
- Patrol and surf-craft boundary flags should be dropped (patrol area closed).
- With an approaching thunderstorm, all persons should be advised to leave the water and clear the beach immediately. The patrol should retire to the shelter of the clubhouse/patrol base, maintaining a surveillance lookout from there.
- Seek shelter in a ‘hard top’ vehicle or building – avoid small structures, patrol shelters, fabric tents and isolated or small groups of trees.
- If isolated in the open, away from shelter, crouch down (preferably in a hollow) with feet together and remove metal objects from head and body. Do not lie down but avoid being the highest object in the vicinity.
- If swimming, surfing or in a boat leave the water immediately and seek shelter.
- In the event of a surf carnival or special event all effort should be made by the carnival Emergency Services Officer/referee and/or organisers to delay the event until the danger has passed or cancel/ postpone events completely.
- Avoid the use of portable radios and mobile telephones during a thunderstorm if in the open. If emergency calls are required keep them brief.
- SurfCom should be advised of the action being taken.
The Bureau provides an application “BOM Radar” that can be used to monitor the severity/progression/ movement of nearby thunderstorms and can forecast movements up to 90 minutes into the future.
Reopening of Patrolled Area
Reopen when 30mins have passed since the last sighting of lightning strike. A typical storm travels at about 40km/h. Waiting 30 mins allows the thunderstorm to be approximately 20km away.
Reference
Emergency Beach Closure