DeLand YMCA lifeguard feels effects of lightning strike

17-year-old says he was standing at edge of pool when lightning flashed

DeLAND, Fla. – A lifeguard felt the effects of a lightning strike at a DeLand YMCA pool on Thursday afternoon, authorities say.

The incident occurred at the YMCA, located on International Speedway Boulevard just before 3:30 p.m.

Under the YMCA policy, when lightning is seen or heard, the pool deck area is cleared and won't reopen until they've had at least 30 minutes without it. The pool area had been closed about 20 minutes for lightning. 

The 18-year-old lifeguard was inside the indoor pool area under an awning to prevent people from entering the pool when lightning struck the metal gymnasium roof of the YMCA. The lifeguard was leaning against a pole and felt a tingle, the YMCA director said.

YMCA officials said the teen was not hurt and they called 911 as a precaution.

Watch Local 6 for more on this story.


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