Tybee Island lifeguards cleared swimmers from the ocean Sunday morning after lightning was detected within 12 miles of the beach.
🌊 What’s Happening: Lifeguards announced the water closure at 11:30 a.m. Sunday and standard procedure is to keep swimmers out of the ocean for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is detected within the 12-mile safety zone.
⚡ Why It Matters: Lightning poses a serious safety threat to beachgoers, especially those in the water where electricity can travel long distances. The evacuation is a standard safety protocol to protect visitors during summer thunderstorms.
📱 Safety Tips: Officials recommend visitors download lightning tracking apps to monitor conditions, especially during off-duty lifeguard hours. The warning serves as a reminder that even on seemingly pleasant beach days, weather conditions can change rapidly.
The Sources: Tybee Island Ocean Rescue and City of Tybee Island.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
