Lightning siren installed at Woodland Water Park

The Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department has installed a detection system at the Woodland Water Park that warns swimmers of nearby lightning strikes.

The iStrike Lightning Siren System is designed to set off a siren and strobe when a lightning strike is detected within an eight mile radius of the aquatic complex, according to city officials.

After a lightning strike, the strobe will flash for half an hour before indicating that it is safe for swimmers to return to the pool.

The Parks Department decided to install the device to protect water park users and collect lightning data from the area, wrote Director Chad Fincher in an email.

“We don’t have any data of historical strikes near the pool; however, in the interest of public safety, we felt it was essential for operating this type of facility,” Fincher said.

According to information found on the device manufacturer Anything Weather’s website, lightning strikes 25 million times and kills around 50 people per year in the United States.

The system uses information gathered by a network of over 1,200 lightning sensors around the world via cellular connectivity, according to the manufacturer.

Fincher said that the department selected the system because it allowed officials to set field parameters, get text and email notifications, and came with a strobe and siren. The system cost just under $5,000 to purchase and install, he said.

The Woodland Water Park features two three-story waterslides, a lazy river, a six-lane lap pool and concession stand and is open to the public through the summer.

Hours and entry fees vary and can be found at kalispell.com/248/Woodland-Water-Park or by calling 406-758-7812.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.