From Iran to China: An Emerging Trans-Central Asian Corridor 
New documents show how a retail chain’s sales practices helped put guns on US streets 
Singapore a battleground of commodities fraud lawsuits 
A lightning strike at a Hong Kong swimming pool has prompted calls for mandatory closures of outdoor public venues during thundery weather and stronger protection measures.
One day after the incident on Saturday, experts told the South China Morning Post that extra caution was needed at venues such as swimming pools because water was highly conductive and lightning-protection systems were not foolproof.
On Saturday morning, while a thunderstorm warning was in force, lightning struck a diving platform at the Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, shattering the corner edge and leaving a burn mark, while swimmers were in the water.
Advertisement
Nick Wu Kai-wing, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union, said existing guidelines did not require public pools to close when such a warning was issued.
“Depending on the actual conditions, if the weather gets bad all of a sudden – with heavy rain and loud thunder – lifeguards receive instructions from their supervisors and advise swimmers to get out of the pool, with the message broadcast as well,” he said.
Advertisement
“However, it often takes time to clear the pool. Swimmers need to queue for ladders, and some cannot hear us … Lifeguards also face pressure if conditions improve quickly.”
Don't Miss:
-
Hong Kong approves average fee hikes of up to 4.75 per cent for non-public schools
-
4 Indonesian seamen kidnapped by Somali pirates return home
-
UK police arrest seventh man linked to security incident at US-run airbase
-
Iván Cazarín Molina, alias “El Tanque”, Alleged CJNG Operator Active in Several States, Arrested
-
Iceland is ‘critical outpost’ for security, Rubio says during visit