Man killed by lightning at Pasir Ris Beach was a dedicated outdoor instructor

He said: “When it comes to the outdoors, you need to take certain precautions if you think there is a chance of lightning or heavy weather. Each individual will have to make an assessment before making a decisive and safe decision.”

Chua said Mikhail and his family had been on their way back to shore when lightning struck him.

Said Chua: “Lightning strikes can happen to anyone.

“Unfortunately, (Mikhail) was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And no matter what kind of training he had, it’s very difficult to mitigate such a situation.”

A friend of Mikhail from secondary school remembered him as humble.

Addressing him affectionately as Mika, the friend, who declined to be named, said: “He passed doing what he loved, being in the outdoors and in the waters.”

Mohammad Nordin, the owner of a nearby kayak rental shop, Fish On, said Mikhail was using a stand-up paddleboard.

He said the rest of the group were using single-seat and tandem kayaks.

Applied CPR

Nordin said after the lightning strike, some of the kayaks capsized.

Mikhail’s younger brother, who was part of the group, swam to shore to call for help.

Nordin and several members of the public helped to drag the kayaks to shore and lifted Mikhail from the stand-up paddleboard and moved him onto the grass.

Nordin added that before the arrival of medical personnel, bystanders administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Mikhail.

About 15 minutes later, an ambulance arrived to transport Mikhail and other victims – who appeared to be in shock – to hospital.

In a statement on July 6, the Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education (OLAE) Association extended its condolences to Mikhail’s family and friends, saying his death was a loss to their community.

The association is the largest for outdoor education activities in Singapore and promotes best practices for the industry. SeaOPS is one of its members.

OLAE secretery-general Delane Lim said: “(Mikhail) was part of Singapore’s outdoor adventure community, and we recognise his passion and commitment to paddle sports and outdoor adventure education.”

Lim noted that stand-up paddleboarding is an increasingly popular water activity enjoyed by people of all ages.

Risk assessments

He said everyone should observe the principles of water safety, no matter what the activity might be.

He added that all providers and practitioners should adhere to the relevant safety standards when planning and conducting activities.

They include making risk assessments regarding weather forecasts, lightning alerts and water conditions before embarking on water activities.

He said: “Where actual conditions observed on site indicate a higher level of risk than forecast, the on-site assessment and professional judgment of the activity leader should take precedence.”

Those involved should also monitor environmental conditions during the activity and ensure instructors are equipped with proper training and experience.

Lim said no single standard or checklist can entirely eliminate all risks associated with outdoor activities.

He said: “Good preparation, continual situational awareness and sound professional judgment remain essential in managing dynamic outdoor environments.”

In a separate incident on June 24, a lightning strike had caused a fire near Pulau Ubin, affecting at least two floating fish farms.

The fire started at one farm and is believed to have spread to two other farms, causing serious damage. No injuries were reported.