BOATING SAFETY: WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE CAUGHT IN A STORM
Most people would believe boaters only have to worry about hurricanes, but thunderstorms can just as quickly become a captain’s worst nightmare. A lightning strike to your boat can be disastrous, especially if you lose access to your electronics or, worse, the strike causes a fire.
Reading the Signs: Nature's Early Warning System
- Before we tackle the "what to do" during a storm, let's sharpen our weather-reading skills. Mother Nature often sends subtle hints before unleashing her fury. Keep your eyes peeled for:
- Cloud Transformations: Watch for flat clouds getting lower and thicker, or puffy clouds stretching higher into the sky.
- The Ominous West: Dark, threatening clouds, especially in the west or southwest, spell trouble.
- Temperature Drop: A sudden drop in temperature is nature's way of saying, "Brace yourself!"
- Celestial Halos: A halo around the sun or moon isn't just pretty – it's a warning sign.
- Wind Whispers: Increasing winds or an abrupt change in direction signal approaching storms.
- Horizon Fireworks: Flashes on the horizon? Lightning's on its way.
- Restless Seas: Heavy seas are often a prelude to stormy weather.
- Radio Static: Heavy AM radio static can indicate nearby thunderstorm activity.
While we can’t always predict when a thunderstorm will materialize, boaters should use extra caution and have a plan of escape.
Below are seven tips on what to do if you’re caught in a storm.
1. Ride it Out
If you venture out and recognize thunderstorms nearby, stay calm. If it’s safe to do so, head to a local port or dock. Turn on navigation lights, reduce speed, and head your vessel into the wind at a 45-degree angle to reduce stress and maintain better control. Keep a lookout for floating debris, obstacles, and other boats. Do not attempt to return to your original marina if there’s a closer, safer option.
2. Wait it Out
Thunderstorms are usually brief, so waiting it out may be better than riding it out. If your boat has a cabin, stay inside and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. Stay low to the deck if your vessel doesn't have a cabin.
3. Wear Your Life Jackets and Prepare Other Emergency Equipment
Be safe rather than sorry. You don’t want to scrabble for a PDF during the storm if someone ends up in the water. If you have passengers aboard, immediately get everyone into their life jackets and foul-weather gear.
Have any other emergency equipment on board, such as bailers, hand pumps, first aid kits, signaling devices, etc., ready. If you have a life raft, have it ready to be deployed and stocked with emergency food and water.
4. Batten Down the Hatches
Secure all hatches and close all doors, ports, and windows to keep water out. Secure gear above or below decks, stow small items, and latch down bigger ones.
Keep in mind that the weight of equipment and passengers is significant in smaller crafts, so ensure it’s balanced. Pump bilges dry and repeat as necessary to eliminate water sloshing as the boat rolls, which can affect stability.
5. Prepare Your Anchor
Ready your sea anchor or drogue but do not anchor the boat unless you’re in a narrow body of water, you’ve lost visibility entirely, and are in danger of washing ashore. Under those conditions, anchor your boat from the bow to keep the vessel headed into the waves.
6. Monitor Your Radio
Monitor Channel 16 on your marine VHF radio for Coast Guard updates on the weather. You should all listen for distress calls from other boaters as you may be the closest one that can lend assistance.
7. Abandon Ship
Review your procedures for abandoning the ship if the incoming storm is exceptionally severe. Then, when remaining on the boat is no longer safe, get everyone on deck and send a "Mayday" distress call to the Coast Guard on your marine VHF-FM radio.
Make an Onboard Thunderstorm Boating Safety Plan
Despite your best efforts, you may still end up on the water during a storm someday. Having a plan to protect yourself and your guests when stuck on the water is essential.
To start, consider your nearby shore options. If there’s a landing that’s safe to approach, head there as soon as you can. Getting off the water should always be your primary goal when thunderstorms arise.
If you must stay in your boat, the Coast Guard recommends that you:
- Ensure all riders are wearing their life jackets
- Seat guests on the floor in the center of the boat
- Turn on running lights
- Keep bilges empty
- Move toward shore at the minimum speed that allows forward motion
- Hit waves at a 45-degree angle
- Deploy anchor if stopping is necessary.
The National Weather Service also recommends that you:
- Stay inside the boat cabin if available
- Avoid touching metal and electrical devices
Consider creating a thunderstorm safety kit to keep on board, including:
- Life jackets for every rider
- On board first aid kit
- Radio (in case cell phones aren’t accessible)
- Fire extinguisher
- Visual and sound signaling devices
- Anchor with a line attached
- Oars or paddles
The Calm After the Storm
As boating enthusiasts, we're drawn to the water for its beauty and the sense of freedom it provides. But with that freedom comes responsibility. By understanding storm patterns, preparing adequately, and knowing how to react in crisis situations, we transform from fair-weather sailors to true mariners.
Remember, the best storm survival tactic is prevention. Always check weather forecasts before setting out on a boating adventure and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
So, the next time dark clouds loom on the horizon, take a deep breath. You're not just a boater anymore – you're a storm-savvy captain, ready to navigate whatever challenges the sea might throw your way. Stay safe out there, and may your journeys always lead you back to shore!
For more information about how Tampa Yacht Sales can help you find the boat or yacht of your dreams, contact Shane Faunce at (727) 513-7615 for more information and view our current listings.
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