Saltwater Pool/lightning Scenario for computer game

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A continuous bolt of lightning striking a large cube of saltwater will primarily affect the surface of the water, with the electricity flowing around it rather than through it. A swimmer located several meters below the surface is likely to remain safe from the current as long as they do not ascend to the surface. However, if the swimmer rises above the water, they risk being electrocuted by the lightning strike. Additionally, there are considerations regarding drowning if the swimmer remains submerged for too long. The nature of magic lightning in this context raises questions about its behavior compared to conventional electricity, particularly regarding its effects on living beings.
mkultra
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TL;DR Summary: What would happen if a bolt of continuous lightning hit an enclosed saltwater space with someone swimming far below the surface?

Hello! I'm actually asking this as a DM for a DnD campaign. One of my players trapped a bad guy within a large (30m/side) freestanding cube of saltwater. This cube was then struck by a continuous bolt of lightning at one end. Would the electricity flow around the surface of the cube, leaving the swimmer largely unharmed, or would the current course through the cube and fry him? Thank you so much!!!
 
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The underwater swimmer will be safe, but only while they remain beyond a few metres from the point of the strike. If they then rise out of the surface, the strike may transfer to them, and kill them. If they do not come to the surface, they will drown.
 
Is magic lightning even electricity? It seems not to burn wizardly fingertips.

And what about charge conservation?
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