Over a dozen young soccer players harmed by a lightning strike

Heads Up, Sports Fans! Safety First on Football Fields During Lightning Strikes 🏃‍♂️⚡

A chilling incident recently occurred in Switzerland, where a chain of events led to 14 teenagers being hospitalized during a football game. Almaty.tv reports, relaying information from RIA Novosti, that this happened when lightning struck a streetlight pole on the field, causing a powerful charge to spread across the playing area.

Unfortunately, the 14 teens, all aged between 15 and 16, hailing from two different teams, were caught in the midst. One unfortunate player even needed to be airlifted to the hospital by helicopter.

Concerned authorities, including the prosecutor's office and police, have launched an investigation into the matter.

So, what can we do to ensure safety during outdoor sports activities, especially on football fields? Here's a rundown on safety measures and precautions to keep you out of harm's way during a lightning strike:

Safety Measures:

Immediately Suspend Activities:
Put a halt to all outdoor sports activities the moment you spot lightning or hear thunder. This applies to practices, games, and other events.
Adopt the "30-minute rule": wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
Safe Shelters:
The safest refuges are substantial buildings or fully enclosed metal vehicles. Partially enclosed structures like bleachers or picnic shelters are not safe.
Make sure players and spectators relocate quickly to these secure locations.
Avoid Conductive Objects:
Steer clear of being near or holding conductive items like metal fences, goalposts, or golf carts.

Precautions:

Field Preparation:
Make sure the area is uncluttered from potential hazards that could amplify a lightning strike, such as trees or loose debris near the field.
Education and Training:
Instruct players and staff about lightning safety and emergency procedures, including first aid for lightning-related injuries.
Evacuation Plans:
Establish clear evacuation plans for all participants and spectators in case of a lightning threat.
Post-Storm Actions:
Remember that lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away. Stay vigilant for potential strikes even after the storm seems to have passed.

By following these safety measures and precautions, we can enjoy outdoor sports activities, including football, safely during weather conditions with lightning risks. Let's aim for a safe and enjoyable sports season! 💯🏆⚡️🌩️🏃‍♂️

The unfortunate incident in Switzerland involved 14 teenagers, ages 15 to 16, playing football, who were hospitalized after lightning struck a streetlight pole on the field.
One player required an airlift to the hospital by helicopter following the lightning strike during a football game in canton, Switzerland.
To prevent such incidents during outdoor sports activities, including football games, it is crucial to immediately suspend activities at the sight or sound of lightning or thunder and wait for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before resuming.
Safe shelters for a lightning strike include substantial buildings or fully enclosed metal vehicles; partially enclosed structures like bleachers or picnic shelters are not safe.
To ensure safety during football games and other outdoor sports activities, it is essential to prepare the field by removing potential hazards, provide education and training on lightning safety, establish clear evacuation plans, and remain vigilant for potential strikes even after the storm seems to have passed.