In a recent survey conducted by the National Lightning Safety Council from 2006-2019, over 29% of fatalities came from golfing. The total number of deaths in the US included over 418 lightning-related deaths in 14 years. Surprisingly, fishing is the most dangerous outdoor sport followed closely by golfing.
How dangerous is lightning on a golf course?
Over half of all golf course-related lightning deaths happen after a thunderstorm has passed over. Because lightning is attracted to standing objects, a golfer is usually the tallest object on the grass.
Who is most likely to be hit by lightning?
People aged 15–34 years account for almost half of all lightning strike victims (41%). The majority (89%) of lightning deaths occur among whites. About one-third (32%) of lightning injuries occur indoors.
How long after lightning strikes can you play golf?
While it’s not recommended to play golf while there is lightning, the recommended waiting time between strikes is 30 minutes. So after any strike has been seen or heard, you need to wait 30 minutes before moving from your location. This precaution is to ensure that any left-over static build-up in the cloud is spent.
What month has the most lightning strikes?
July is generally the month with the most lightning. Lightning strikes often occur in the afternoon. In fact, two-thirds of all lightning casualties occur between noon and 6pm.
When is the most lightning?
Lightning can occur during any time of the year, but lightning casualties are highest during summer. July is generally the month with the most lightning. Lightning strikes often occur in the afternoon. In fact, two-thirds of all lightning casualties occur between noon and 6pm.
Which states have the most lightning?
Lightning generally decreases from the southeast to the northwest, except for a few places such as the Rocky Mountains, where topography causes regular thunderstorms during the summer. Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio , Pennsylvania, and Texas have the most lightning deaths and injuries. Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.
Where do lightning strikes occur?
The majority of work-related lightning strikes occur in Florida and Texas, two states where seasonal lightning deaths and injuries are high. For more information, visit.
How many golfers die from lightning each year?
The number of golfers killed each year in the US now represents 27 golfers per year. With the popularity of golf reaching a younger audience, the age group of fatalities is getting younger.
Why do golfers die from lightning?
Over half of all golf course-related lightning deaths happen after a thunderstorm has passed over. Because lightning is attracted to standing objects, a golfer is usually the tallest object on the grass. It’s obvious that most lightning comes from a cloud by an electrical build-up and discharges to the ground.
How to tell how close a thunderstorm is to a golf course?
There is a certain number of tell-tale signs that help you can estimate how close a thunderstorm is to a golf course. The first is the number of times lightning occurs and the proximity of how far away the storm is. Counting between the initial lightning flash until you hear the thunder tells the distance.
What is the siren rule for golf?
In an immediate sense of finishing around right away without question is three shorts siren blasts. Most of the standard golf courses have adapted to this siren rule. In areas where there are last-minute warnings for a lightning storm, these three siren blasts will sound-off.
How does lightning travel?
It’s obvious that most lightning comes from a cloud by an electrical build-up and discharges to the ground. It can also travel from could to cloud alternatively. In rare cases, it can travel horizontally from a cloud over 2-3 miles until it reached its target.
What are the rules for golf?
According to the golfing rules in 6 through 8, the golfer has the opportunity to finish their game at their own risk. They may also discontinue if they feel there is danger involved. This is where many golf courses have special waivers that don’t leave them at fault in case of wrongful death. This is possibly where the expression of play at your own risk’ comes from. But to be fair to players, each official golf course must supply safety zones for lightning.
How long should you wait to play golf when there is lightning?
While it’s not recommended to play golf while there is lightning, the recommended waiting time between strikes is 30 minutes. So after any strike has been seen or heard, you need to wait 30 minutes before moving from your location. This precaution is to ensure that any left-over static build-up in the cloud is spent.
