LANDIS, N.C. — A Rowan County teen says she’s lucky to be alive after being unlucky enough to get struck by lightning.
Brynnlee Steger, 15, told Channel 9 she was working as a lifeguard at the Landis Pool Monday when severe storms started moving in.
Steger says she, her mom, and her co-worker were taking down umbrellas before seeking shelter.
She remembers the wind picked up and saw a blue and orange flash.
“So I turned around to look at my mom and when I turned around I got struck on my arm,” Steger said. “Then I immediately started turning this way, and I remember yelling at my mom telling her that I got hit.”
Emergency crews responded to the pool and treated her for an apparent lightning strike.
She was taken to a hospital and about 24 hours later, returned home.
Steger will need physical therapy to regain muscle strength in her forearm, and it’s unclear how long her nerve damage and mobility issues will last.
She plans to keep herself protected during future storms.
“I will be hiding. I’m not going to be outside, definitely not,” Steger said.
Landis’ town manager told Channel 9 his team is reviewing its policy and retraining lifeguards on what to do during a storm to prevent any future incidents.
The pool pump went out due to the lightning and needs repair. The pool will be closed until at least the weekend.
VIDEO: Off-duty firefighter jumps into action when lightning strikes middle school
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