LCSD steps up pool suspension protocol after lightning strike saga

Following a recent lightning strike at a public swimming pool in Sha Tin, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department revised pool guidelines, clarifying conditions that would trigger temporary closures of outdoor public swimming pools.

A lawmaker suggests the government step up notification services on the official iAM Smart app.

In mid-June, a diving platform at the Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool was struck by lightning -- leaving visible damage.

In the past, there were no rigid criteria on when pool operations should be suspended amid unstable weather.

On-site managers were given the discretionary powers based on their experience and observations on the spot.

As the saga renewed scrutiny of safety protocols during adverse weather, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department now spells out conditions -- under which the outdoor pool should be off-limits.

Under the revised guidelines, if the Observatory issues a localised thunderstorm warning for that area, any outdoor swimming facilities within the district will be closed immediately.

In the case of a territory-wide thunderstorm warning, closures will be mandated if these three conditions are met.

The Observatory's lightning alert system records lightning within a 10-km radius of the pool, if an amber rainstorm warning or higher is in effect or if lightning or frequent thunder is observed near the pool.

The government says notices will be displayed at pool entrances when outdoor facilities are suspended.

A lifeguard union says despite more clarity given, they are worried if that would entail more friction with swimmers when enforcing the stricter closure protocols.

Lawmaker Ken Lee, meanwhile, hopes the government can step up its notification mechanism in the official iAM Smart app with relevant weather updates to facilitate the closure announcement to the public.