What to Do When Severe Thunderstorms Strike While Boating

When you’re boating during the summer months it often means that there are warm breezes, sunny skies, and the best backdrop for a relaxing boating experience. But summer weather can also bring dangerous conditions–including severe thunderstorms that may roll in without even a warning. As every boater should know, being caught off guard while out on the water during a thunderstorm  can be quite terrifying and even life-threatening. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons will go into depth about what you need to know about staying safe when rolling thunderstorms come while you’re out on the water.

Understanding the Danger of Summer Storms

Summer weather can be very unpredictable. Afternoon heat can quickly build up clouds that may unleash strong winds, torrential rain, and deadly lightning. While thunderstorm news alerts may sound routine, these thunderstorms that come through while out on the water are anything but harmless. Boats can be very vulnerable due to their open exposure, lack of grounding, and limited shelter while onboard.

You should always monitor the weather forecast and marine weather radios even before you leave the dock. Monitor weather broadcasts for  severe weather or thunderstorm warnings which may signal an immediate threat and demand a swift action plan if you still plan to go out on the boat.

What Is the Best Course of Action If You See a Thunderstorm While Boating?

If you’re out on the water and you start to see dark clouds building up in the distance or hear thunder rumbling, it’s time to take quick action:

1. Seek Safe Harbor

Begin to head toward the nearest marina, cover, or dock before the storm gets to your vessel. It’s far safer to ride it out ashore than onboard. Remember the closest safe harbor may not be your home port.

2. Secure Your Boat

If you’re unable to get to shore before the storm, you should secure all loose gear, reef, lower or stow sails (in sailboats), and point your bow at 30 -45 degrees into  the waves to help maintain stability.

3. Avoid Tall Objects

Try to lower antennas, outriggers, or fishing rods, and place yourself low in the center in the boat in case of lightning. Avoid making your body the tallest object on board.

4. Use Safety Equipment

Ensure that your passengers are wearing life jackets. Turn on your navigation lights for better visibility, and prepare your VHF to call for help in case of an emergency.

5. Minimize Electrical Use

To reduce the risk of any damage or shock during a lightning strike, avoid using electronic devices unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.

What Happens if Lightning Strikes While on a Boat?

Lightning can be one of the most terrifying elements of a strom, especially when you’re out on the boat. Here’s what you can expect–and how to react–if your vessel has been struck by lightning:

• Immediate Effects: A lightning strike can destroy some of your electronics, cause fires, and even injure people who are aboard.
• After the Strike: Check everyone onboard for injuries before doing anything else. Administer first aid or CPR if needed and contact the Coast Guard using your VHF radio or mobile phone.
• Check for Damage: Look for any signs of electrical failure, smoke, or even hull damage. If your bilge pump or navigation system is disabled, assess whether you can return back to land safely or need assistance.
• Stay Calm: It is very important that you stay calm.Panic can lead to poor decisions. Stick to your safe boating emergency plan and communicate with everyone onboard clearly about the action plan.

Stay Informed: Don’t Let Thunderstorm News Catch You by Surprise

Ensure that you invest in a reliable VHF radio that has NOAA weather alerts or even use your mobile phone to monitor marine forecasts. Some modern chartplotters may even have a built-in systems to detect  thunderstorms. If you have an AM-FM broadcast radio on board, tune it to an unused AM frequency, if you hear crackling through the speakers, it is time to think about heading to safe harbor. Remember to always follow your normal boating safety tips when out on the water even in a thunderstorm. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons provides boating safety classes, seminars, and even hands-on training for boaters and sailors. Check out our boating safety classes here or read more of our blogs for tips.