Manatee County adds lightning detection system to beaches

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Over the summer, Manatee County officials installed a new lightning detection system at public pools and splash pads.

And just last week, they installed the first one at a local beach.

For the Manatee County Beach Patrol, its main job is to keep people safe, both in and out of the water. Chet Brown is the division chief for the Beach Patrol and Aquatic Safety.

The Manatee County Beach Patrol’s main job is to keep people safe, both in and out of the water.

“So the two pieces that you see here — the one on the right-hand side is the horn, the actual horn, and a flashing light that puts out the loud sound,” said Beach Patrol and Aquatic Safety Division Chief Chet Brown while describing how the lightning detection system works.

One was just installed at Manatee Public Beach. Another will be put on the roof of the Beach Patrol station across from Coquina Beach.

“The system is designed to read the atmosphere between the clouds and the ground during a thunderstorm,” Brown said. “It’ll predict within the area, and set off one long, loud sound. It gives us a 15 to 20 minute heads up that there’s a possibility of lightning in the area. That gives us more time to clear the beach.”

Once the system predicts there could be lightning in the area, horns will sound a 15-second alarm.

It will alert beachgoers to get out of the water, off the beach and into their vehicles.

“When it’s all clear, it will sound off three short, loud signals. That means everyone can safely return to the beach,” he said.

Brown said the county is being proactive.

“Florida’s the lightning capital of the world,” he said. “Lightning strikes seem to be more prevalent, so we’re trying to get ahead of the curve.”

Some beachgoers say they already feel safer with this technology.

“Sounds good — whatever they can do to keep people safe,” said Ben Timenez.

While the project is still in its early stages, Brown believes it will be a benefit.

“Here at the beach, it’s only been about a week since we’ve had one active,” Brown said. “I hope the public takes notice and listens to it. Our staff does everything they can to get people to their cars for safety. If nobody’s being struck by lightning, I’d say it’s working.”

This system is another tool to help people enjoy the water safely.

Brown said beach lifeguards will also be assisting with the efforts and helping people if they need it.

County officials add that the times when the lightning detection system will be turned on will vary based on the season.