As summer approaches, boaters in Florida, especially in the Southwest area, should brace for daily afternoon storms from mid-June to late August.
Florida experiences over 100 thunderstorm days annually, making brief storms on land common, but potentially life-threatening on the water.
According to Boat U.S., about 1 in every 1,000 boats is struck by lightning each year. With Florida accounting for around 33% of all lightning strike boat insurance claims, the risk in our waters is significantly higher.
Sailboats with tall masts and larger boats are more susceptible, but any boat is at increased risk during an electrical storm if it’s the only one in the area. A lightning strike can cause severe damage, from blowing out your through-hull to sinking your boat or even causing fatalities. At best, it can destroy all your electronics.
Riding out the Storm
If a storm begins to build overhead, your safest bet is to head to shore. If that’s not possible, anchor in a sheltered area immediately and follow these guidelines:
- Do wear your life jacket.
- Do lower masts, bimini tops, fishing rods, outriggers, antennas, and other tall objects.
- Do get low and move to the center of the boat (for runabouts) or into the cabin (for overnighters), staying away from electrical outlets, appliances, and metal objects.
- Do remove all metal jewelry.
- Do not use a fixed VHF radio during lightning; handheld radios are acceptable.
- Do not touch or hold two metal objects simultaneously, such as railings or metal steering wheels.
- Do not get into the water.
Plan Ahead
To avoid stormy summer weather, plan ahead. A sunny morning doesn’t guarantee a calm, sunny day in Florida. Always check weather reports before heading out and postpone your trip if storms are expected. If you must go out, plan your trip to avoid the typical afternoon storms.
Even with a favorable forecast, be aware that small, localized storms can still occur. Monitor the sky, listen to NOAA Weather Radio (VHF channels 1 through 9), or use mobile apps for lightning and severe weather alerts.
The Impact of Lightning Strikes
Several options are available to protect your boat from lightning damage. While lightning protection systems won’t prevent strikes, they provide a safe discharge path. You can also install surge-protective devices and voltage surge suppressors on crucial, expensive, or hard-to-replace equipment like chart plotters and alarm systems.
While enjoying a day on the water is fantastic, safety should always come first, especially during Southwest Florida’s stormy season. Being prepared for lightning strikes and sudden storms is key to ensuring your boating experience remains enjoyable and risk-free. So, while you don’t want to dampen your fun, taking precautions is essential for a safe outing.
Stay Safe and Happy Boating!
More for you to read:
How To Maintain Your Boat: Essential Seasonal Upkeep Tips
National Safe Boating Week: Navigating Waters With Confidence
