How should lifeguards respond to an impending thunderstorm?

The correct response for lifeguards when a thunderstorm is imminent is to clear the pool and move patrons to safety. Thunderstorms can bring severe weather conditions, including lightning, high winds, and heavy rain, all of which pose significant risks to individuals in and around the water.

When lightning is present, bodies of water become particularly dangerous because water is an excellent conductor of electricity, greatly increasing the chances of injury or fatality if a lightning strike occurs. To ensure the safety of patrons, lifeguards must proactively evacuate the pool area to a safe location, ideally indoors or in a fully enclosed shelter, away from tall objects and open areas.

This proactive approach is essential because waiting for the storm to start or for specific conditions (such as visible lightning) ignores the unpredictability of storms and allows for unnecessary risk exposure. Continuing to monitor the pool would also not provide adequate protection for patrons, as the storm could develop rapidly.