August 2008
Lightning on the links
This weather phenomenon can zap the fun out of your day
The game of golf is not without risk; flying balls or swinging clubs are the first to come to mind when the topic surfaces. The fact of the matter is that other serious issues can present themselves.
Let me recite some statistics I found in an online report that was published by Environment Canada, regarding lightning.
In Canada, 74 per cent of lightning related injuries and 94 per cent of lightning related deaths occur during the months of June through August.
Seventy per cent of those injuries and 55 per cent of those deaths occur between Thursday and Saturday.
The majority of victims are 45 years of age or younger and engaged in an outdoor physical activity when injured or killed.
Based on these facts, the highest risk of lightning incidents directly correlates with the prime golfing season. Would it not be prudent for golfers to educate themselves on the risks and precautions that surround lightning?
The answer most certainly is yes' however each year I overhear numerous clubhouse conversations that are riddled with myth and misinformation. The discussions are always well intentioned, but ignorance will not help you when the situation rears its ugly head.
What is it that you really need to know about lightning on the golf course?
Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rainfall; the storm does not need to be directly overhead to be dangerous. Even if it is not raining where you are, you are still at risk.
Rubber tires—like those found on your power cart—do not protect you from lightning. Your regular automobile does provide you with increased protection, but it has nothing to do with the rubber tires.
The hard top and steel frame take the electrical strike to the ground and away from your body; this hard top and substantial frame structure are not present on your power cart. Bottom line, you are just as safe on your own two feet as you are in a power cart.
The small rain sheds on the course provide you with protection from wind, rain and hail, but not lightning. In order for a shelter to offer you some form of lightning relief, it should be substantial in size, as well as contain plumbing and electrical. The utilities will offer the lighting a path to the ground other than the one through your body.
Follow the 30/30 lightning safety rule: If after seeing lightning, you are not able to count to 30 before hearing thunder, you should go indoors. Once inside, stay inside for 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
Arm yourself with the facts. For more information and advice on lightning safety, visit www.fema.gov or www.sirc.ca.
Trevor Moore is a CPGA professional based in Medicine Hat, he owns and operates Advantage Golf Academy. You can contact him via his website.