Hudson Valley Thunderstorms: Safety Tips For Boaters

Four people out on Lake Mahopac were injured July 4 during a thunderstorm when lightning struck near their boat.

Thunderstorms can be a mariner's worst nightmare, the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service warn.

They can develop quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms can bring shifting and gusty winds, lightning, waterspouts, and torrential downpours which can turn a day's pleasure into a nightmare of distress.

There are no specific warnings or advisories for lightning but all thunderstorms produce lightning.

Mariners are especially vulnerable because at times they may be unable to reach port quickly. A lightning strike to a vessel can be catastrophic, especially if it results in a fire or loss of electronics.

Ultimately, boating safety begins ashore with planning and training. Keep in mind that thunderstorms are usually brief so waiting it out is better than riding it out.

AccuWeather.com offered these tips:

Key Indicators of Changing Weather

1. A sudden drop in temperature.
2. Increasing wind or sudden change in wind direction.
3. Flashes on the horizon.
4. Flat clouds getting lower and thicker.
5. Heavy static on your AM radio, which can be a sign of nearby thunderstorms

If you're out on the water, says BoatUS:

What To Do In Storms

• Don’t wait until it’s too late: Get off the water early: Getting to safe harbor is the safest bet. If you’re in a powerboat and can’t get in, you may be able to get around the storm.
• Inside is best: If you can’t get off the water in time, the best place to be on a boat is inside any cabin, but avoid being near mast or chainplates (sailboats), or large metal appliances like refrigerators.
• Keep away from metal: If there is no “down below” and you’re stuck out on deck, stay away from metal railings, wheels, the mast and mast stays (both on sailboats), or any other metal fittings. A boater was killed in North Carolina when lightning jumped from his sailboat’s backstay to his head and then the metal steering wheel he was holding.
• Don’t be a lightning rod: If you’re on an open boat, stay low and in the center. Depending on the severity of your situation, it’s also a good idea to remove jewelry. The US Coast Guard reports a case a few years ago in which lightning struck a man who was standing up wearing a large medallion.
• Stay out of the water: Don’t fish during a thunderstorm – or dangle toes overboard.
• Disconnect the power and antenna leads to your electronics: Many strikes just damage electronics so disconnecting them goes a long way in preventing equipment damage.
• Lower antenna: Unless they serve as part of a lightning protection system, lower any antennas.
• Stay silent: Don’t use the VHF unless absolutely necessary.
• Lightning grounding protection systems: Grounding systems, which provide a path for the lightning to enter and safely exit the boat, must be free of corrosion if they are going to provide any protection.
• Dissipater dilemma: As for mast-top lightning dissipaters, there is no agreement by the experts on how well or if they work at all. It should be noted that BoatUS insurance claims files show that boats with “brush-like” dissipaters mounted at the top of the mast have been struck by lightning.
• If you do get hit: 1) Check people first; 2) then check the bilge as strikes can rupture through-hull fittings and punch holes in hulls; 3) check electronics and compass, and if all is good up to this point, 4), you may want to consider a short haul to check the bottom thoroughly (trailerboats can be inspected when you get back home). The challenge with lightning strikes is that they sometimes leave hard to find traces of damage that may only be seen when the boat is out of the water.

SEE: 4 Sent To Hospital After Lightning Strike In Hudson Valley

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