A startling video from Ohio is offering a timely reminder for anyone spending time outdoors in Tampa Bay this summer: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

A man filming a thunderstorm on a golf course Friday in Cincinnati, Ohio, was struck by lightning. According to the account accompanying the video, the bolt struck his arm. He survived and is recovering, describing himself as “unbelievably lucky.”

The incident is especially relevant in the Tampa Bay area, where summer thunderstorms and frequent lightning are a regular part of life.

Golf courses can become especially dangerous

Golf courses offer many of the conditions you don't want around you during a thunderstorm: wide-open spaces, isolated trees, bodies of water and people carrying metal equipment.

A storm doesn't have to be directly overhead for lightning to pose a danger. That means waiting until rain becomes heavy or lightning appears nearby can leave you outside too long.

And while dramatic lightning videos can be fascinating to watch, lightning is no laughing matter.

When thunder roars, go indoors

The safest response is also the simplest: When thunder roars, go indoors.

If you're golfing, at the beach, boating, swimming, watching youth sports or working outside, don't try to squeeze in a few more minutes when thunder begins. Stop the activity and get inside a substantial building or enclosed vehicle.

Avoid sheltering beneath trees, in open-sided structures such as gazebos or under beach umbrellas. Stay away from water and exposed areas.

Once inside, remain there until the storm has safely moved away rather than heading back outside as soon as the rain lets up.

Tampa Bay families should make lightning part of their preparedness plan

Lightning safety deserves the same advance planning as other summer weather hazards.

Before an outdoor activity, check the forecast and know where you'll go if storms develop. Parents and coaches should have a plan to quickly move children indoors, while boaters should monitor changing weather early enough to return to safe harbor.

Most importantly, don't wait to see lightning before taking action.

Bottom line for Tampa Bay: Hear thunder? Stop what you're doing and get indoors. A golf game, beach day or afternoon outside can wait. Your safety can't.