So this afternoon I went to the gym, and rain had just started to come down. I got changed in the locker room and went to the pool to start my laps. Lifeguards told me I was not allowed to get in because there was lightning. I was pretty much dumbfounded. An acquaintance was there and told me the lifeguard had told him that the lightning could come through the windows into the pool. It was supposed to rain the whole afternoon and the pool is only open from 1-3 on Saturdays, so I just left. WHAT THE HECK?!? Anyone ever have this happen to them or were these people just nutso!? Maybe if it were outdoor, I would not swim in these conditions.

That's happened in one of the pools her in NYC too... but they said it was because the water supply was exposed outside or something like that.... never had it happen in a pool that is fully enclosed though (like in the relative middle of a complex

Seems a little extreme. Lightning could come into any building, not sure why they would close down an indoor pool for that..

I practice when the HS team is practicing. We have one lap which I find often empty so its not crowded. Plus it makes the water 'choppy' like in a race. When the team finishes, and its storming, they close it down. If swimming team is not there, any hint of thunder closes it down. Its a 30 minute wait till it opens back up (after last flash or thunder).

They close the pool at the university I go to as well if there is lightning in the area. Rain they don't mind but if there is lightning then it gets closed. I don't remember their exact explanation but it was similar to what you received. This pool is also fully enclosed.

Never considered this...we don't get much lightning out here...

Here's some info that may shed some light on why indoor pools can be dangerous too.

http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/swimming_pools.html
http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/indoor_pools.html

Interesting reads you found there cjbruin.

Wow, so I really had no right to be angry. Looks like trainer and treadmill when the weather is bad, eh?

I'm sure I would have been angry too...it doesn't seem right until you read the facts.

both pools I've swam in in NYC have that rule too, though it's posted.
Maybe your pool should post it as well.

I have no problem riding my bike or running when it is raining. I went for a run in the rain, pouring rain actually, just last Monday. I was supposed to run with a group on Thursday and it was raining again. We cancelled the Thursday run though because it was lightning about. Rain is cool, as soon as the lightning comes out, I go home or skip that workout for the day. Better safe than sorry.