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You don’t even have to be in the storm to be at risk. Lightning has been proven to strike as far as 10 miles from any rainfall, so don’t ignore those gathering clouds in the distance.
If you do get caught in the middle of a thunder boomer, take these actions to avoid becoming a human lightning rod:
-Among the more obvious actions should be removing metal jewelry, getting swimmers out of the water, reeling in and stowing fishing rods and lowering antennae, outriggers and flagpoles.
-Stay away from the electronics. Don’t use the radio unless it’s an emergency.
-If there’s a cabin, go belowdecks. Otherwise, move toward the middle of the boat and under a hardtop or Bimini (without touching it).
Want even more tips for staying safe during a storm? Be sure to check out the April issue of Boating. And if you have tips to share head over to the forums and post them!
I went through a lightning storm returning from the Bahamas. it was coming from West to East and extended so far to the North and South of the inlet we really had no choice but to bulldoze through it. We let the autopilot handle the helm and kept our hands in our pockets.