More Straight Talk

As human beings, we have a tendency to believe we are infallible and, in some cases, indestructible. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Unfortunately, we are neither. Those of us who have served as first responders have witnessed the unfortunate reality of those misconceptions.

The recent fatality of a teenager struck by lightning on the beach brought that reality home once again only a few weeks ago. After being transferred to a facility in Miami, he sadly lost his courageous battle to cling to life. A second Florida fatality occurred when an adult male was struck by lightning on a beach on Sanibel Island, bringing the total number of lightning fatalities to six for this year, according to the National Weather Service.

In 2020, a total of 17 fatalities were reported, below that of the 10-year average of 25 deaths. It is estimated that there are approximately 400 serious injuries attributed to lightning each year, many of them with lasting effects on the individuals.

Direct strikes are rare, with only about 5% accounting for a person being directly struck by the bolt. Contact injuries, which are a result of touching an object when it is struck by a bolt of lightning, account for approximately 10%, while proximity strikes account for another 50% of those incidents. Another 35% may be caused by what is referred to as “side-splash” or “side-flash” incidents that occur when the current jumps from a nearby object.

“Lightning Season” for us here in Southwest Florida will run from May through September when storms build up during the late afternoon and early evenings. Living on Collier Bay, we see an estimated 35% of the island boat traffic run out through Smokehouse Bay, into Collier Bay and out to the Marco River, as mariners head out to fish or just have a day on the water and meet at any one of many popular sandy beach getaways for the day.

It is not unusual to witness a large line of boats returning from a day on the Gulf, from Keewaydin, Coconut Island or Cape Romano to seek shelter from storms which have been threatening since earlier in the afternoon. No one seems to want to leave the fun behind, no matter how dark the clouds appear or how ominous the sounds of thunder become.

By the time boaters reach Collier Creek, they know the deadly storms are directly behind them and quickly gaining on their vessels. They now most likely have a few frightened children aboard, as well as a very upset companion expressing displeasure with the person at the helm.

By this time, the no wake signs are ignored and with any luck, the vessel will reach the safety of its dock or back to the marina from which it was rented.

I do remember 20 or so years ago when a parasailer was enjoying himself near Vanderbilt Beach and a storm that was 20 miles away caused him to be struck by lightning. Due to the quick actions and training of the crew on the boat, they were able to perform CPR and save the life of that individual. I also remember that day when terrible storms were approaching and, despite the pleading of beach vendors and Marco Police Officers, beachgoers were reluctant to leave the beach and seek safety.

While leaving the beach, one family had its son affected by a “proximity strike” as they were hustling off the beach. Confused and stunned, the young man ran back off the beach, up the boardwalk and across Collier Boulevard to the 7-Eleven at Winterberry where first-responders caught up to the dazed individual. Thankfully, he was checked out by medical personnel and was not seriously injured.

Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones or have suffered serious injuries as a result of these rare occurrences, but it is our individual responsibility to heed the warnings and be aware of our surroundings. 

Educate yourselves and your loved ones to the possible ramifications of not heeding the warnings, and understand the risks. It isn’t okay to be an adult responsible for the health and safety of others and throw caution to the wind. Let’s be smarter, as I know we can be, so we don’t become a statistic. Instead, let’s be an example of doing what’s right.