The Summer Activities Most Likely to Get You Struck by Lightning

When a thunderstorm rolls in, most people head indoors or wait it out. But some of the deadliest lightning strikes in the United States hit people who were doing exactly what they had planned for the weekend: fishing, spending the day at the beach, or out on the water in a boat. These three activities consistently account for a disproportionate share of lightning fatalities, and the reasons go beyond simply being near water.

The Numbers: Who Is Most at Risk

Research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration identifies fishing as the single leading activity associated with lightning deaths in the United States. Among all water-related lightning fatalities, fishing accounts for approximately 40%, beach activities account for 28%, and boating accounts for another 24%. Swimming makes up the remaining 8%.

Combined, fishing, boating, and beach activities account for roughly 20% of all lightning fatalities in the country. Leisure activities overall represent 62% of lightning deaths, and June, July, and August account for more than 70% of annual fatalities. Men account for 80% of all lightning deaths and approximately 90% of those killed while fishing, playing outdoor sports, or working outdoors.

Why These Activities Are Particularly Dangerous