How can adverse weather conditions affect swim safety?

Adverse weather conditions significantly impact swim safety by creating hazardous situations. For example, lightning is a serious threat because water is an excellent conductor of electricity, making outdoor swimming extremely dangerous during a thunderstorm. Rain can reduce visibility, making it harder for both lifeguards and swimmers to see obstacles or other swimmers, increasing the risk of accidents. High winds can create rough water conditions and may lead to instability on flotation devices or boats, posing further dangers to swimmers.

Options that suggest weather has no impact, or only focus on extreme temperatures, overlook the broader range of conditions that can endanger swimmer safety. Additionally, the idea that weather can improve swimming performance misrepresents the reality—while certain conditions might seem to enhance speed or conditions temporarily, safety must always take precedence in adverse weather situations. Thus, the correct response acknowledges the serious hazards presented by various adverse weather phenomena.