Safe boating is fun boating. When you do everything you can to make your trip as safe as possible for everyone on board, it’s easy to relax. You can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared for every eventuality, which means you can kick back and just take it all in. Of course, there are some things that you can’t necessarily prepare for when on a boat. Usually, in these blogs, we talk about the USCG Registry. In this one, we’ll go over ways you can stay safe on the water when the weather changes.
How to Know When the Weather Changes
Recreational boating with friends or family during the summer is one of the best times. This is where you make memories that can last a lifetime, or at least a winter when you’re stuck in the cold. Sometimes, the weather can change quickly, and you have to get off the water to stay safe. Obviously, the clearest sign is that the sky changes color, but there are other, perhaps more subtle signs than that. Stay aware of them and you can make sure that you stay one step ahead of the weather, no matter what it is.
Changes to Watch for
As of this writing, it’s July. This is the time of year when most places in the Northern Hemisphere will have their warmest temperatures. If you’re on the water, and the temperature starts to drop quickly and precipitously, look out. That’s one of the clearest signs that bad weather is rolling in. Another that often gets overlooked is flashes of lighting off in the horizon. Sure, they might seem like they’re far away now, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way forever. Winds could bring them to your vessel in a heartbeat. In fact, that’s another sign that the weather has turned: a rapid change in the wind. If it picks up suddenly and/or changes direction, then you might want to consider going home.
What to Do When Storms Approach
Obviously, you don’t want to go out on the water if there’s a strong possibility of thunderstorms. However, sometimes the storms appear while you’re already out there. In that case, you want to get to land or shelter as quickly as possible. We know that many of you take your vessels far out into the water, which may make it impossible to get back to land in time. Then, you want to stay inside the cabin. Crucially, do not touch any metal or electrical devices. That could lead to a shock. You also want to stay low in the boat, too, as that reduces the chance that you’ll be hit by lightning.
USCG Registry Forms and Access
While we’re always glad to offer safety tips, that’s certainly not all we do here. Before you head out on the water in any weather, you want to have your documentation all taken care of. We can help, just call (800) 535-8570.