Lightning a Danger to Outdoor Enthusiasts
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — What could be more relaxing than a day out fishing?
Well, according to statistics from the National Weather Service, when lightning strikes, fisherman have the most to be worried about.
Of the 238 people struck and killed by lightning in the U.S. from 2006-2012, more than eight in ten were male and 152 of the total victims were enjoying some kind of outdoor activity.
Of those taking part in some kind of leisurely pursuit, 26 were killed by lightning while fishing, 15 died during a camping trip, 14 lost their lives on boats, 12 died on the soccer field and eight were playing golf when their luck ran out.
John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist with the NWS, speculates that the reason why fishermen and campers are nailed more often is probably because it takes longer to find shelter.
So far in 2013, there have been seven deaths reported with three of them related to fishing.
Ironically, on the same day the NWS issued its report, 23 Boy Scouts and three adults were sent to the hospital following a lightning strike at Camp Bell on the Griswold Scout Reservation in New Hampshire.
As it turned out, no one was seriously injured although there were some complaints of tingling and burning sensations.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio