Dutchman
Contributor
OK, mother always told you to get out of the water when it started to rain. But what about diving at 60' and then thunder and lighting starts. Are you in danger ? Do you stay down or get out?
Diving and thunderstorms discusion
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couta0938
Registered
I did a 16m shore dive during a storm, dark and cloudy when we went in and then upon surfacing it was a full on storm. I didn't even know there was a storm going on until we ascended. The sea was a bit choppier and it was raining, but other than that there was no problem. My buddy and I were not in any immediate danger.
So in answer to your question: I believe the best thing to do is make the call according to the conditions. While you're under you probably won't even notice the storm unless you have superb vis (which is rare for us British divers). Obviously, if the storm totally changed the sea state and there were gale force winds when you surfaced, then it's best to get back to safety sharpish. There are lots of other factors to consider too - do you have boat/shore cover, how fit you and your buddy are, the severity of the storm - obviously a few lightning bolts doesn't merit the same concern as a tornado.
So in answer to your question: I believe the best thing to do is make the call according to the conditions. While you're under you probably won't even notice the storm unless you have superb vis (which is rare for us British divers). Obviously, if the storm totally changed the sea state and there were gale force winds when you surfaced, then it's best to get back to safety sharpish. There are lots of other factors to consider too - do you have boat/shore cover, how fit you and your buddy are, the severity of the storm - obviously a few lightning bolts doesn't merit the same concern as a tornado.
OP
Dutchman
Contributor
Your reply is appreciated. Your experience is exactly what my grand daughter experienced in Costa Rico two weks ago. I have not been in this position so had no answers. I usually would not dive if weather looked bad.
Canadian_Diver
Contributor
Dutchman:
Your chances for harm are small if submersed deep in water when lightening strikes. The only concern I would have is with water conditions (surf / swells / etc.).
Up here, on the freshwater lake we do all our training in, we do dives during thunderstorms often. One of the best was a night dive, the storm snuck up on us while we were in the water, we were made aware of the storm by the flash of lightening illuminating the water... pretty eerie... very cool. I felt very comfortable during this, and in awe. :thumbs-up
The National Weather Service had this to say on their website....
Scuba Divers
If the boat you are in does not have a safe cabin to be in during lightning activity, then you are safer diving deep into the water for the duration of the storm or as long as possible. Your first choice is to head in and get in safe building or vehicle.
Aqua Buoy
Contributor
Canadian_Diver:
Lightning and diving... very cool idea... a new speciality perhaps? LOL
I do did a shallow dive once after a short SI we went back in to photograph a frogfish, going in the weather was brilliant, sun out, no clouds or winds (we were about 2 miles from shore). We spent about 10mins under tops and when we surfaced there was wind and stinging rain bearing down on us. It had come from behind the hills with no warning, while not scared, it did take us by surprise - I would have rathered stayed down as it was warmer (this being in the Caribbean!). There was no lightening and it was all over in about 20mins, but it was fun
nic
Canadian_Diver:
crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
I have been under during a lightening storm. It is neat to look up and see the rain drops hitting the water. Even during the day you can see the lightening flashes and sometimes hear the thunder. As far as being struck by lightening, slim chance, especially when you are deep. This has been discussed several times on SB and pretty much everybody will say the same thing.
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I've emerged from the water with lightning striking in the distance. It is not an experience I wish to relive... :11:
PaulChristenson
Contributor
Our youngest son got certified when he was twelve. Very soon after he got certified, his FIRST dive was in a quarry in Hay Market, Va. I had an ear infection, and couldn't dive so I stayed home. My husband, son, and a friend Troy, made their first dive, it was good. Although, they were running a bit later than the other divers, so they started the second dive later than the rest. Halfway through the dive my husband says he is seeing flashes of light?? he isn't sure what it is, and he sufaces to find a full blown thunderstorm, with lightening striking all around the quarry. He immediantely re-submergerged, pulling our son down with him, and they stayed down there until our friend Troy ran out of air, and they had to surface, with the storm raging, and lightening striking, they said they could feel the electricity on their wetsuits, they then have to exit the quarry, and unfortunately they surface and exit, in a muddy, mucky area, and have to almost carry Jon (he is only twelve, and the mud is sucking him in) as they approch the van, (the only vehicle left in the park) the storm is raging, and the rain is pouring, and lightening strikes a tree about 30 feet from the van, and the wind is blowing, very scary! Thankfully, no one got hurt, and they made it home safe - What a memorable first dive!! One I'm not sorry I missed! Since then, if the weather is calling for a "chance" of thunderstorms, we choose to do something else. grin
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