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Be the Calm in the Storm

06/01/2014

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Today was not a great boating day there was rain off and on. One thing you can count on in Florida is an afternoon thunderstorm. Here in central Florida, where we live, the East and West coast sea breezes meet daily and when they do kaboom! It's a daily occurrence. Hot sunny days turn violently stormy for boaters and you must be calm in the storm because your life can depend on it. We have weathered our share of storms but planning and a cool head have made all the difference in me typing this blog today. Last summer we rode through the worst one we ever encountered. A storm was coming in the distance and we thought we could beat it across Lake Eustis we were wrong. We found ourselves in the middle of the lake with six to eight foot swells and we could not see land or even the horizon really. We had our two kids with us there wasn't time to waste what were we to do. We got it together and decided to head north to the closest shoreline through pouring rain we would drop anchor in shallow water and tie on to a private dock if necessary. We made it over reassuring our kids all the time that we would be fine. In that far corner of the lake the violent storm passed by. When we saw our chance we skirted along the shore back to the dock just as another storm was coming. We thanked the good Lord above for his protection and wisdom. If you make a wrong choice in a storm on water the outcome can be deadly. Here's some tips to help you prepare for stormy weather:

1. Have all the proper gear. LIFE JACKETS FOR EVERYONE. I don't care how well you swim in a storm jackets on. You can't save your kids if you drown. We recommend a GPS monitor for your boat it can help you find your way when you can't see where your going. Expensive models come with weather radar.
Have a VHF marine radio or a cell phone at the least.
2.Bilge pump...don't know if yours works? Well that could be a problem. If it's not working properly your boat will fill up with water from waves or rain and you can sink.
3.Don't put your kids in the cabin keep them in sight. We know storms are scary but things are hectic if the boat capsizes and they have on life jackets they can get trapped and drown. We've heard of this same scenario a few years ago and the kids drowned. If you're worried we recommend tying life jackets together. Use rope to tie your child to you that way if you capsize they will not drift from you. Tie the rope from their jacket to yours.
5. Prep your kids. Knowledge is power. Have them practice floating in their life jackets. Have them jump off the boat and then float. We have a special needs child and a nine year old he knows head to shore. Float, kick, rest and keep heading to shore that's what he is to do if he gets separated from us. Have a plan for your kids I am to keep track of my son and Paul our daughter one on one. No confusion if we capsize we know our kids are partnered and we all stay calm. They know too.
6. During storms with lightning don't shelter under a tree. Don't try to get out at the ramp on metal docks or next to tall metal street lights. Head away from the storm to the far side of the lake and try to miss it and wait it out. When all else fails anchor and wait.
7. Don't drink and boat. Alcohol and quick decisions are not partners.
8. Let someone know where your boating. If you're a family or a lone fisherman let someone know where you put in. If your missing someone will know where to look for you.
Some of this planning may seem extreme but if you're a year round boating family you will encounter many storms while out on the water. It's better to know what to do then be caught off guard.

The best way to be calm in the storm is not to be in the storm. Watch your weather forecast in the morning plan to be out by the daily afternoon storm. Check you GPS or phone regularly see if storms are off in the distance and plan accordingly. Prep your boat and family with a weather plan. Know what to do and keep calm if you're calm you can make wise choices. Don't argue with your spouse about waiting and getting caught in the storm, now you're in it, work together and be safe.
Before your next adventure in boating remember prep, plan and check the weather forecast.