SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-thunder-roars-go-indoors

You're swimming outside and hear thunder. What should you do?

Get out and go indoors. When thunder roars, go indoors.

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  1. Keep swimming until you see lightning
  2. Get out and go indoors right away ✔
  3. Stay underwater until it passes

Why: The National Weather Service says if you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance. There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are around, so get out and go indoors.

Huh, didn't know that: The NWS says thunder can usually be heard about 10 miles away.

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What did the lightning bolt say to the swimmer? You're positively shocking!
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References

Answer: Get out and go indoors right away. The National Weather Service says if you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance. There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are around, so get out and go indoors.

  1. NWS Lightning Safety www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-safety
    If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. NWS Understanding Lightning: Thunder www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder
    can be heard for a distance of only about 10 miles from the lightning strike
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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