wrote in
oups.com:


I'd love any scientific, accurate, knowledgeable answers and/or
links. Though I'll accept people just adding their .02, sharing
what they do in these situations, based on fear, wives tales,
whatever...

Lightning can strike 7 miles ahead of the cell. Holding a piece of
carbon fibre, pointed at the sky, in the open, in the well-earthed
water makes you the path of least resistance in many ways. It really is
best to get out of the water when the rumbles get louder. Moreover,
when a cell line passes by (not just a single shower), do not assume
it's passing means it's safe. Leading cells retreat as they lose
energy, essentially reversing direction back over you again. I have
witnessed this first hand and had it confirmed by meteorologists.