SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-swim-lightning-wait

Swimmers leave the water for thunder. How long after the last thunder should they wait to go back in?

At least 30 minutes.

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  1. At least 10 minutes
  2. At least 30 minutes ✔
  3. Until the rain stops

Why: Safe Swim Defense says swimmers leave the water whenever lightning or thunder threatens. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before leaving shelter.

Huh, didn't know that: Safety Afloat uses the same 30-minute rule before boats go back out.

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Why did the lightning bolt get a job? It wanted to make a striking impression.
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References

Answer: At least 30 minutes. Safe Swim Defense says swimmers leave the water whenever lightning or thunder threatens. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before leaving shelter.

  1. Aquatics Supervision, Scouting America filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/Aquatics/pdf/Aquatics_34346.pdf
    Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before leaving shelter.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA thunderstorm chases you away from the campfire. When is it safe to go back out?Outdoors & CampingA thunderstorm rolls in at camp. Does your tent protect you from lightning?Outdoors & CampingYou're caught outside in a thunderstorm with no shelter. Where should you NOT be?

That's stuff everyone should know.