Staying Safe When Boating Offshore Around Lightning

Navigating offshore waters is an adventure, but it comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to dealing with lightning. Nothing is more intimidating than seeing a storm cloud on the horizon while you’re miles from shore. Here are some personal experiences and tips to help you stay safe when lightning threatens your offshore fishing trip.

An Unexpected Encounter

One memorable trip in early summer, we were about 30 miles off the coast, trolling for tuna under clear skies. By mid-afternoon, clouds began to build up on the horizon. We had planned for a full day on the water, and our weather check the night before didn’t indicate any severe storms. However, as anyone who spends time offshore knows, weather can change in an instant.

Using Boat Radar and SiriusXM Marine Weather

Having the right technology on board can be a game-changer. We rely heavily on our boat’s radar and SiriusXM Marine Weather subscription. The radar helps us spot storm cells even when they’re still quite a distance away. On this particular trip, we noticed a massive storm system developing to our southwest, moving faster than anticipated. With SiriusXM Marine Weather, we could see detailed storm information, including lightning strike density and movement patterns. This service sends real-time updates and is worth every penny for the peace of mind it provides.

Tracking Storms with Garmin InReach

In addition to radar and SiriusXM, a Garmin InReach device is another essential tool in our safety arsenal. It’s a satellite communicator that provides real-time weather updates and can send alerts about approaching storms. On that same trip, we received a notification of severe weather approaching. The Garmin InReach allowed us to adjust our course and head back to shore well before the storm hit.

Text Message Services for Weather Alerts

Several services can send weather alerts directly to your Garmin InReach. Services like StormWatch and My Weather Concierge offer custom text alerts for severe weather, helping you stay informed even when you're out of range of traditional communication methods.

Friends Ashore: Your Offshore Eyes

One of the most valuable resources is having friends or family tracking the weather for you from shore. On multiple occasions, friends with access to comprehensive weather tools have warned us about incoming storms that weren’t yet visible on our equipment. During the summer trip, a friend texted us about a severe storm cell that had just popped up on the mainland radar. Thanks to their heads-up, we started our return earlier than planned. With the Garmin InReach, friends ashore can contact you directly, providing real-time updates and warnings.

Starlink for Real-Time Weather Updates

Recently, we’ve started using Starlink to get even more reliable and real-time weather data. With Starlink, we can access high-speed internet offshore, allowing us to check detailed weather maps, track storm movements, and even stream weather briefings. This added capability has significantly improved our situational awareness and ability to make informed decisions on the water.

Practical Safety Measures

While technology and friends ashore are fantastic, there are practical measures you should always take when lightning threatens:

1. Lower Antennas and Fishing Rods: High points on your boat, like antennas and fishing rods, are more likely to attract lightning. Lowering them can reduce this risk.
2. Disconnect Electronics: Unplugging your electronics can prevent them from being fried in the event of a lightning strike. It’s a small step that can save you from significant expenses.
3. Stay Low and Dry: If lightning is near, stay as low as possible in the boat and avoid touching metal surfaces. Water is a great conductor of electricity, so the dryer you can stay, the better.
4. Life Jackets On: Always put on your life jacket when a storm is approaching. If the worst happens and you end up overboard, a life jacket can be the difference between life and death.

Personal Anecdote: A Close Call

Several years ago, we were caught in an unexpected storm about 40 miles offshore. We had no radar back then, relying solely on visual cues and VHF weather updates. By the time we realized the storm was upon us, it was too late. The sky turned dark, the wind picked up, and lightning started striking the water around us. We lowered all antennas, unplugged electronics, and huddled in the cabin. It was one of the most terrifying experiences, but it taught us the importance of being prepared and investing in the right technology.

Conclusion

Staying safe offshore, especially around lightning, requires a combination of the right equipment, practical safety measures, and good communication. Investing in boat radar, SiriusXM Marine Weather, a Garmin InReach, and even Starlink can provide invaluable real-time data. Additionally, keeping friends or family updated with your location and having them monitor weather conditions can give you an extra layer of safety. Remember, no fish is worth risking your life over, so always err on the side of caution when a storm approaches.

Fishing offshore is an incredible experience, but always be prepared for Mother Nature’s unpredictability. Stay safe, stay informed, and make sure every trip ends with a safe return to port.