Know Your Weather Signs While Boating On The Lake

With the Fourth of July weekend only two and one-half weeks away, many families plan to get out and enjoy the boating season. A critical aspect of the planning is to know your weather signs while boating on the lake.

How to be Weather Prepared

There are several things each family can do to be weather prepared for the new boating season ahead. This will help to prevent any weather-related problems during your family outing.

• Always check the weather before leaving

• Have access to weather updates during your boating time

• Understand weather can change very rapidly

• Flat type clouds are usually associated with stable airflow

• Puffy type clouds are generally associated with unstable air flows

• The higher the vertical development of clouds, the more instability there is

• Thunderstorm cloud development have higher vertical growth (the higher vertical – the more violent)

What to do if Caught in Bad Weather while Boating

There are several things you can do if you are caught in bad weather while boating. These precautions can help to save lives.

• Proceed with caution and don’t get in a hurry – keep speeds maintainable

• Be sure all occupants put on their personal flotation devices

• Secure loose items on the boat

• Have access to your emergency gear

• Have passengers sit on the bottom of the boating vessel near the center

• Drive to the nearest shore which can be safely approached

• Head bow into the waves at approximately a 40-degree angle

• If you have an engine failure, anchor your boat

• Call for help if needed

Always Follow Safe Boating Practices

The busy boating season is just around the corner for the new lake season! During your boating outings, be sure to always follow safe boating practices. And, know your weather signs and stay up to date with weather changes.

Always Be Safe & Happy Boating!