Its unsafe to swim during a thunderstorm [Video]

Summer is a popular time to go swimming outdoors at beaches, lakes or pools. But thunderstorms are also common across the country during hot weather. When lightning starts to strike, you may have been told you have to get out of the water because it’s dangerous to swim during a storm. 

A VERIFY reader reached out to ask about swimming pool safety and whether water attracts lightning.

THE QUESTION

Does water attract lightning?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

No, water does not attract lightning. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to swim during a storm.

WHAT WE FOUND

Water itself does not attract lightning, but it does conduct electricity, meteorologist Mike Linden explains. This makes it unsafe to be in water during a storm.

“Lightning typically follows the fastest path of least resistance to the ground, which is more often a …