Boating Safely in Adverse Weather Conditions

When you go out on your boat, even if you've checked the forecast ahead of time and planned carefully, there's always a chance that you're going to find yourself in rough conditions. Out on the water, stormy weather can be dangerous, particularly if you don't have the knowledge necessary to safely deal with it. Here, we've covered a few tips to help make sure that you and your passengers always stay safe when you're out on your boat and the conditions get dicey. For more information, come pay us a visit at The Sports Center. We're located in Perry, Georgia, and we also serve Macon and Columbus. 

Slow Down

One of the most important steps to take when the conditions get tough is slowing down the movement of your boat. Don't panic and try to outrun the storm or quickly make your way back to shore. Instead, remain calm, and  slow things down. By reducing your speed, you increase the amount of time you have to react, and also alleviate some of the strain on your boat's hull. 

Turn On Your Lights

Oftentimes, when the conditions on the water get tough, heavy rain, wind, and even fog will be present. To make sure that you retain your visibility during the storm, turn on all of your navigational lights. Not only does this allow you to keep clear vision over the water around your boat, but it also allows other nearby boats to be aware of you. Having your lights on makes worst-case scenarios like collisions or capsizing significantly less likely.

Use Proper Safety Gear

While it's crucial to have your lifejackets or personal flotation devices onboard at all times, it's especially important to be wearing them if you're encountering difficult conditions. In addition to the standard gear, it's also wise to invest in gear specifically for bad weather, such as ponchos and/or raincoats with hoods. 

Ride Out the Storm

In many cases, simply waiting or riding out the tough weather conditions is actually a much safer option than trying to navigate away from it. In this situation, make an effort to keep your boat aimed towards the swells and the wind, as this will hopefully minimize their impact on your vessel.

It's always wise to thoroughly check the weather forecast in advance of any boating trip, but there's simply no way to guarantee that you're going to avoid bad weather. When you do find yourself in tough conditions, just stay focused and calm, and remember these steps for keeping yourself and your passengers as safe as possible. For more information, stop by The Sports Center in Perry, Georgia, also serving Macon and Columbus.