Thunder and LIghtning

[gcapehart]

Alright, I thought only you Floridians dealt with this, sudden thunderstorms. I being the model of safety keep the weather band on and profess to be only a fair weather sailor, but................................... yesterday, Suzy and I got caught like a river full of fishermen by a sudden violent squall. There were 50mph gusts and a lot of electricity. Luckily we did get off the river and home before all broke lose but it was close. So here's the question, what do you do if caught on the water with such winds, lighting,  etc;? We are cautious, but this one really snookered us. At the first warning it was literally 60 miles north going east at 20mph. Yet we started home and as I say got lucky. Now if we were out on the ledges, shoot it might be a real mess. So considering I do check the weather, heed the warnings, and I bet you too do so. Have you ever been caught as such and what then do you do? For example, drive through, toss out an anchor or see anchor, lay low in the boat, what danger is lightning? Yes Mom had photoes of me as a kid and I was blond.  Gary

[John Jones]

This is from the University of FL.

WHEN CAUGHT IN A STORM

Thunderstorms in Florida and over its coastal waters are frequently unpredictable. Even with the best weather reports, along with constant and accurate observations of climatic conditions, boaters can still be caught in open waters in a thunderstorm. Then, with or without a lightning protective system, it is critical to take additional safety precautions to protect the boat's personnel. These precautions during a thunderstorm are:
Stay in the center of the cabin if the boat is so designed. If no enclosure (cabin) is available, stay low in the boat. Don't be a "stand-up human" lightning mast!
Keep arms and legs in the boat. Do not dangle them in the water.
Discontinue fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming or other water activities when there is lightning or even when weather conditions look threatening. The first lightning strike can be a mile or more in front of an approaching thunderstorm cloud.
Disconnect and do not use or touch the major electronic equipment, including the radio, throughout the duration of the storm.
Lower, remove or tie down the radio antenna and other protruding devices if they are not part of the lightning protection system.
To the degree possible, avoid making contact with any portion of the boat connected to the lightning protection system. Never be in contact with two components connected to the system at the same time. Example: The gear levers and spotlight handle are both connected to the system. Should you have a hand on both when lightning strikes, the possibility of electrical current passing through your body from hand to hand is great. The path of the electrical current would be directly through your heart--a very deadly path!
It would be desirable to have individuals aboard who are competent in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Many individuals struck by lightning or exposed to excessive electrical current can be saved with prompt and proper artificial respiration and/or CPR. There is no danger in touching persons after they have been struck by lightning.
If a boat has been, or is suspected of having been, struck by lightning, check out the electrical system and the compasses to insure that no damage has occurred.

SUMMARY

Boating in Florida's waters is an enjoyable activity for many people. Keep it that way!
Listen to the weather reports! Learn to read the weather conditions. Heed these reports and the conditions. Stay off or get off the water when weather conditions are threatening.
Install and/or maintain an adequate lightning protection system. Have it inspected regularly. Follow all safety precautions should you ever be caught in a thunderstorm. By using good judgment, it is less likely that first aid or CPR will be needed while boating.

http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000001-d0 ... 00007.html

google "boating and lightning" and you will find lots of info.

I do my best to avoid the situation but the couple of times I have been caught by the afternoon pop-ups I have been able to make a short run to a bridge and tie off underneath.  Offshore ?  Bend over and kiss your ass goodbye ;)

[GoneFission]

Been through plenty of storms on the water - some real nasties - I will try to summarize the lessons learned and provide a suitable reply.  There are some real do's and don'ts...