[Warby Posts: 1044 Status: Offline]

Many years ago during a thunderstorm a neighbour , who was wheelchair bound , told his wife to unplug the TV aerial . as she went to unplug the cable  lightning struck , fortunately she was a few feet away but the TV suffered and where the cable had been was a burn mark down the wall. They has cast iron gutters and down pipes, the lightning burnt a hole through the gutter,Fortunately they suffered no injuries but were shaken up!!  Our house was across the road but the noise was deafning!!

[Ian Brooks Posts: 3564 Status: Offline]

It was definitely a memorable run - I was glad of the little roof.  Visibility was low - maybe 100 yds, meaning that all usual landmarks were out of view. Definitely hovering on instruments! Fortunately a mixture of gps and local knowledge kept us on the right course but I was glad to come round The Noose and know that the worst of the standing waves were behind us. All the craft performed perfectly just when we really needed them to

[Nick Flint Posts: 4957 Status: Offline]

Very interesting John, (as ever)!
Things to take away---

I shall avoid going down on "all fours" whilst out doors, and avoid the Bowling club.

The TORRENTIAL rain hurt a bit but I had the partial protection of a windscreen.
Ian had screen and roof,  and Paul had
well, nothing to protect HIM actually.
I gather the dead flies that had collected between his teeth earlier, were cleaned away a treat by the down pour.
Below- Paul is traversing mud flats - flooded with rain water, so zero braking possible, - I tried it!
Afterwards, I stopped and a wave of  now-muddy rain water shot forward drowning my picnic bag carefully nestling up my previously dry feet!

[Eric Yeoman Posts: 740 Status: Offline]

My old man was a copper in Sydney but refused to join the local, R.S.L. Club, ( returned soldiers,etc. ),  lawn bowling team as he was of the opinion that the mortality rate in l/bowling was higher than the police force..... think about it.

[John Robertson Posts: 5198 Status: Offline WWW]

The aerial isn't earthed so doesn't act as a lightning conductor and the craft hull is plastic so the risk of being a good strike target has to infinitesimally small  (down to bad luck).  In context the risk of dying in a vehicle accident (getting to the launch site?) is about 1000 times greater than by a lightning strike.  And, of course, you get plenty warning (audible and visual) of a possible strike unlike a motoring accident!  Safest thing to do is stay in bed - except, of course, that's the highest risk option of all (~500,000 people die in bed every year so that's a bad choice  ).

The odds of a direct strike are tiny - most are indirect (standing looking out a window is dodgy).  Larger 4-leg animals are at higher risk because their legs are farther apart (potential difference as the strike voltage dissipates through the ground - similar to the tree thing) - they don't even have to be that close to the strike point.

[Nick Flint Posts: 4957 Status: Offline]

Recently a discussion occurred ref hovercraft ops during or close to thunderstorm / lightning activity. Im trying to find information (and failing so far)  regarding our rather unique situation of being exposed alone on the sea with metal aerials pointing up to the sky with "hit me" written on them. Although we theoretically "hover above the water" i feel in practical terms we will be considered by any lightning as connected to the water perhaps through the outer hull and skirt being wet and touching the surrounding water.
I feel our aerials are an unfortunate invitation, but welcome opinions regarding how best to respond.
My knee jerk reaction is perhaps (in retrospect) to NOT operate and sit it out.





Safety Alert – Lightning


30 to 60 people are struck by lightning each year in Britain and, on average, three people die. Some of those who survive suffer serious and life changing injuries. People who are outdoors are most at risk.
There are three different ways of being struck by lightning:

• Direct strike: the lightning hits you and goes to earth through you.Side Flash: the lightning hits another object and jumps sideways to hit you.

3. Ground strike: the lightning hits the ground travels through it and hits you on the way.


Rowers are particularly vulnerable as they are often in wide open spaces where they are the highest thing around. The chart opposite shows the

distribution of lightning fatalities in the UK in recent years.
People struck by lightning are predominantly hit before and after the peak of the storm. The 30/30 rule helps to ensure that people are sheltering during the riskiest parts of the storm. If the flash to bang time is 30 seconds, or less, then find shelter. Stay there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

What should you do.

Check the weather forecast – if lightning is forecast then find an indoor activityIf you are on water, get into shelter as quickly as possible; water will transmit strikes from further away. Proximity to water is a common factor in lightning strikes.Find shelter inside a large building or a motor vehicle. The inside of a car is safe as lightning will spread over the metal of the vehicle before earthing through the tyres.If you are outside with nowhere to shelter, make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down with your feet together, hands on knees and your head tucked in.Do not shelter beneath tall or isolated trees, one in four people struck by lightning are sheltering under trees.Find shelter quickly if your hair begins to stand on end or nearby appliances begin buzzing - it may mean lightning is about to strike.Lightning can be conducted, in a building, by aerials, piping or other wires. Except in cases of emergency, don't use your telephone (landline or mobile) until the storm is over. [/t] • Call the emergency services if someone is hit; they will need urgent help. A lightning strike is not usually instantly fatal, a victim’s heart and/or breathing may stop. Early use of CPR may well save their life. You will not receive an electric shock from the victim.[/t] Take Care – Lightning can be deadly but is easily avoided. Stephen Worley Honorary Rowing Safety Adviser safety@britishrowing.org August 2020 This Safety Alert is a safety guidance document. Please read our safety message and disclaimer.