Ettalong Beach lightning strike sends swimmer to hospital
A man in his 20s was struck by lightning at Ettalong Beach despite clear skies overhead and no obvious storm.
A man in his 20s was struck by lightning at 3pm Saturday while swimming at Ettalong Beach on NSW's Central Coast. Witnesses said it came "out of nowhere" despite clear skies overhead, though storms were forming at Palm Beach and Gosford nearby.
Paramedics pulled him from the water and gave CPR before taking him to Gosford Hospital in serious condition. Meteorologists had forecast storms across the region for the days ahead.
- Ettalong Beach, NSW Central Coast
- Location
- 3pm Saturday
- Time
- Palm Beach and Gosford
- Nearby storms
Why it mattersLightning can strike from distance when storms are nearby, even in seemingly safe conditions, making water sports risky during storm season.
AustraliaBeachgoers on Australia's coasts face this invisible risk during storm months, and the incident is a stark reminder to check weather forecasts beyond immediate conditions.
Corroborated by7NEWS
