As a once upon a time lifeguard, it’s so very often the opposite. I once had a mother screaming at me because we wouldn’t let her and the kids in, while lightning literally was popping off during her rant.
To be fair, I’ve risked it before. I’ve never heard of anyone actually dying from swimming and lightning striking. If it’s actually possible, the odds are low. Meanwhile, we choose to drive several tons of steel at 70mph every day, and people die from it constantly. Lightning striking while I’m swimming is not a large concern of mine.
Aye, but how likely is it that someone is going to be swimming while lightning is playing in the sky? Also, it’s not just about you, but also the poor skinny teenager who has to be sitting on top of a very lovely little metal structure that’s elevated above the terrain.
Yeah, for sure there shouldn’t be lifeguards. I’m OK with taking the risk for myself on occasion though, but I don’t want others to take a risk because I chose to.
I’m a eagle scout and did lifeguard training. I feel fairly confident in my own ability in the water that I don’t need a lifeguard watching if I’m alone (or close to alone). I’m comfortable with that level of risk. It’s up for each person to decide for themselves though, and shouldn’t be forced on others. We take pretty significant risks every day that most ignore, and I’m just more aware of that than most I think, which makes me more comfortable with minor risks.
As a once upon a time lifeguard, it’s so very often the opposite. I once had a mother screaming at me because we wouldn’t let her and the kids in, while lightning literally was popping off during her rant.
To be fair, I’ve risked it before. I’ve never heard of anyone actually dying from swimming and lightning striking. If it’s actually possible, the odds are low. Meanwhile, we choose to drive several tons of steel at 70mph every day, and people die from it constantly. Lightning striking while I’m swimming is not a large concern of mine.
Aye, but how likely is it that someone is going to be swimming while lightning is playing in the sky? Also, it’s not just about you, but also the poor skinny teenager who has to be sitting on top of a very lovely little metal structure that’s elevated above the terrain.
Yeah, for sure there shouldn’t be lifeguards. I’m OK with taking the risk for myself on occasion though, but I don’t want others to take a risk because I chose to.
I’m a eagle scout and did lifeguard training. I feel fairly confident in my own ability in the water that I don’t need a lifeguard watching if I’m alone (or close to alone). I’m comfortable with that level of risk. It’s up for each person to decide for themselves though, and shouldn’t be forced on others. We take pretty significant risks every day that most ignore, and I’m just more aware of that than most I think, which makes me more comfortable with minor risks.