HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDNews) —
Think twice before you cast a line or hit the beach during a summer storm.
A national study analyzing lightning deaths from 2006 through 2019 reveals that fishing is the deadliest leisure activity when it comes to lightning strikes. The activity accounts for 10% of all lightning fatalities in the U.S.
The report, compiled by lightning safety expert John Jensenius, found that beach activities, camping and boating followed closely behind as top killers. Contrary to popular belief, golf ranked much lower on the list.
In total, 418 people were killed by lightning over the 14-year span. Nearly 80% of those deaths were male, and more than 70% occurred in June, July, and August which are peak months for both storms and outdoor fun.
Most victims were just steps from safety when they were struck.
The top 5 most deadly activities were:
Experts stress that situational awareness is critical. Many deaths happened because victims didn’t act fast enough to seek shelter.
Noise from motors, surf or crowds often masks the sound of approaching storms.
The report calls on people to postpone outdoor plans when lightning is in the forecast and head indoors at the first sound of thunder.
“You don’t get extra points for bravery,” Jensenius notes. “You get to stay alive by going inside.”
For more lightning safety tips, visit
www.lightningsafetycouncil.org
.
