Lightning strikes and lake life: Understanding the real impact

Can a lightning strike in a lake kill fish? This question may raise many doubts, especially if you think such a phenomenon could have catastrophic effects on aquatic life.

Storms and lightning always command respect, but when a lightning strike hits a lake, many of us start to wonder about the consequences of this phenomenon. Is it realistic that lightning can kill fish swimming in the water? Should we be afraid of being in the water during a storm? In this article, we will examine how a lightning strike in a lake affects the aquatic environment and what precautions should be taken to avoid the dangers of storms.

When lightning strikes a lake, it doesn't always affect fish life in the way we might imagine. A lightning strike in a lake can have several consequences, but whether fish are killed depends on several factors.

Lightning that strikes water generates a huge amount of energy, but this energy does not penetrate deeply into the water. The phenomenon known as the skin effect means that the electric current is concentrated mainly on the water's surface, similar to cars or other conductive objects. Therefore, when lightning strikes a lake, the electric current does not penetrate deeply, and its effect is concentrated near the surface.

Fish near the water's surface may be exposed to the strike's effects, but those deeper down are much less threatened. Water disperses heat well, and while the temperature caused by a lightning strike can reach extreme values, it quickly drops, reducing the risk of boiling the water or directly killing the fish.

In summary, although a lightning strike in a lake can disrupt fish life, fish death is not automatic or common. Many fish can survive, especially if located deeper in the water.

Safe behaviour in the water during a storm is extremely important for protecting health and life. In the case of a lightning strike in a lake, there are a few key rules to follow to avoid danger.

During a storm, lightning can strike water, and electric current primarily moves along the surface, so people in the water can be at serious risk. Even if you are not directly at the strike point, the electric current can travel a significant distance, ranging from roughly 10 to 100 metres from the point of strike. This energy, reaching up to 10 million volts, can be strong enough to cause serious injuries.

The 30/30 rule is a popular way to assess risk during a storm. This rule suggests that if 30 seconds or less pass from seeing the lightning flash to hearing the thunder, the storm is too close to be safe in the water. It is also recommended to wait 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before re-entering the water.

It is worth remembering that sound and light travel at different speeds – sound travels at approximately 343 metres per second, while light travels much faster. Counting the seconds between seeing the lightning flash and hearing the thunder can help determine the storm's distance, but the safest solution is to avoid swimming in the water during a storm.

In summary, the safest option is to completely avoid being in the water during a storm to minimise the risk of injuries caused by lightning.