9.6 Lightning and Thunderstorms

Purpose

To provide operational guidance for patrol operations during lightning activity and thunderstorms.

In statistical terms, lightning poses a greater threat to individuals than most other natural hazards in Australia, accounting for five to ten lives lost and well over 100 injuries annually.

The 30/30 Rule

The ‘30/30 Rule’ is recommended for lightning safety in the Australian Standard on Lightning Protection.

The ‘30/30 Rule requires that:

when you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is close enough to be dangerous – seek shelter (if you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule). Wait 30 minutes or more after the lightning flash before leaving shelter.

Procedure

Patrol Area Closure and Shelter Actions

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 management flags should be removed and supervised swimming operations suspended.
• With an approaching thunderstorm, all persons should be advised to leave the water and clear the beach immediately. Patrol personnel should relocate to appropriate shelter while maintaining surveillance where safe and practicable.
• Seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle or substantial building. Avoid small structures, patrol shelters, fabric tents, isolated trees, or open areas.
• If isolated in the open away from shelter, crouch down with feet together and minimise contact with the ground. Do not lie down.
• If swimming, surfing, or operating watercraft, leave the water immediately and seek shelter.
• During surf carnivals or special events, the Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator, Referee, or event organisers should consider suspension, postponement, or cancellation of activities.
• Avoid unnecessary use of portable electronic devices in exposed outdoor environments during lightning activity.
• The State Operations Centre (SOC) should be advised of operational actions being undertaken.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) application installed on operational devices may be used to monitor thunderstorm activity, storm movement, radar observations, and weather warnings.

Resumption of Patrol Operations

Patrol operations should not resume until at least 30 minutes has passed since the last observed lightning flash or thunder event within the local area.

References

• SOP 9.1 – Emergency Patrol Area Closure and Evacuation