Boating Safety in Severe Weather

Be Prepared and Alert

  • Always check the latest forecasts before going out on the water.
  • Be aware of signs that a storm is approaching:
    • dark, threatening clouds
    • a steady increase in wind speed or wave activity
    • lightning flashes
  • Wind increasing against a strong tidal current may create steep waves capable of broaching your boat.
  • Heavy static on your AM radio may indicate nearby thunderstorm activity.
  • Wind increasing against a strong tidal current may create steep waves capable of broaching your boat.
  • Heavy static on your AM radio may indicate nearby thunderstorm activity.

    • If a Thunderstorm Approaches

    • Head for shore if possible.
    • Get out of your boat and away from the water.
    • Find shelter immediately.

    If You're Caught in a Storm While Afloat

    • Remember that gusty winds and lightning pose a threat to safety.
    • Have all aboard put on life jackets and prepare for rough seas.
    • Stay below deck if possible. Wear your life jacket even when below deck.
    • Avoid standing in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.
    • If you think your boat may sink, keep passengers above deck and attached to safety lines.
    • Keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the boat's protection system.
    • Don't touch more than one grounded object at the same time (or you may become a shortcut for electrical surges passing through the protection system).
    • If you get into trouble, call for help immediately. Keep in touch with the Coast Guard or anyone else you can reach so someone knows your location and assistance can be sent if needed. Coast Guard frequencies are Channel 16 VHF/FM or 2182 kHz SSB.

    Severe Weather Beach Safety

    A day at the beach can quickly turn disastrous if severe weather strikes. Stay safe by following these tips.

    • If you can hear thunder, go to a safe shelter immediately — even if the sky looks blue and clear. Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles.
    • If you see lightning or hear thunder, don't wait for rain. Go quickly inside a completely enclosed building. If you can't reach a building, get inside a hard-topped all-metal vehicle.
    • Remember the 30-30 rule of lightning safety. The first "30" is for 30 seconds: if the time between the flash of lightning and rumble of thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. The second "30" stands for 30 minutes: after the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter.
    • Be the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Crouch down if you are in an exposed area. Do not lie flat on the ground.
    • Stay away from trees. If you are caught in the open, stay twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.
    • Do not lean against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
    • Get out of the water: off the beach and out of small boats or canoes. Avoid standing in puddles of water, even if wearing shoes.
    • Avoid metal! Drop backpacks with metal frames, and stay away from fences and exposed sheds. Don't touch metal items such golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Large metal objects can conduct lightning. Small metal objects can cause burns.
    • Stay several yards away from other people. Don't share a bleacher bench or huddle in a group.