Rescued Podcast // Ep 010 – Zuza was struck by lightning

There’s something about the immense power of lightning that has fascinated cultures and people throughout the centuries.

How it behaves, how it moves through the sky and the force and damage that it can bring.

If news reports are anything to go by, it would be easy to think that being struck by lightning only happens to golfers or beach anglers.

My guest today is neither of those and shares her story of being struck by lightning while leading an outdoor activity on a school camp.

Listen Here

Key episode takeaways

  • Current advice based on Australian Standard Lightning protection AS 1768:2021; Clause 6.4.2. is: all outdoor activities should stop once thunder is heard, or in the event of weather tracking devices, the storm is 15 kilometres away regardless of the timing of the thunder and lightning.
  • Understand the previous advice of the 30:30 rule and how that has changed
  • If in a group, don’t stay together – spread out
  • Get down from high points like ridges and knolls-be low on the landscape
  • Don’t shelter in overhangs or caves
  • Realise that ‘taking shelter’ means shelter from the lightning, not the rain
  • Always check forecasts

Outdoors NSW & ACT – Lightning Advice

Bushwalking Victoria’s Bushwalking Manual.

Transcript

Download the transcript here

Thanks to

Sponsor // Paddy Pallin

Rescued Podcast main photo // Ben Cirulis and fotografija.com.au

Writer, producer and content creator by trade, search and rescue volunteer by passion, Caro Ryan started LotsaFreshAir.com to inspire, teach and encourage people to get into hiking and the outdoors safely.

It’s all about connecting people to wild places in meaningful ways, so they can look after themselves, their mates and these precious places we visit.

She teaches wilderness navigation, authored the book, ‘How to Navigate’ and hosts, ‘Rescued - an Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers.

In the bottom of her pack you'll find coffee grounds, instant noodles past their used by date and an insatiable curiosity.

Bushwalking & Hiking Tips from an Unexpected Outdoors Chick

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