It is no surprise that Florida ranks as the top boating state, with almost 1-million registered boats. The state’s beautiful waterways, water sport opportunities and great weather add up to a lot of time spent on the water by residents and visitors alike.
However, before you venture out on the water, it is important for boaters, and particularly small boat operators, to check on the weather. What may seem like a tranquil and beautiful start to the day’s weather quickly can turn violent with hazards such as severe thunderstorms, strong winds, rough seas, lightning and waterspouts.
Larger-scale weather systems, such as tropical cyclones, squall lines along cold fronts, gusty winds behind cold fronts and cool-season low pressure systems, also present dangers to small boaters.

Preparation and awareness

Knowing what kind of weather to expect is one of the keys to staying safe during your boating adventure. Before leaving home, be sure to check the current marine conditions and the day’s forecast by going online to weather.gov or listening to NOAA Alert Radio.

The National Weather Service issues coastal waters forecasts, which are updated four times per day and when
conditions rapidly change. The coastal waters forecasts include a five-day forecast of wind direction, wind speed,
wave height and precipitation. These forecasts should be your primary tools for planning a safe day on the water.

Once you are on the water, keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly. It is a good idea to periodically listen to NOAA Alert Radio on your VHF marine band radio. Also, remember to turn on the alert feature of your NOAA Alert Radio or VHF marine radio, if equipped. This feature will sound an alarm on your radio, anytime the National Weather Service issues a special marine warning. These warnings are issued to provide advance notice to mariners of short-duration (up to two hours) hazardous weather conditions, including sustained marine thunderstorm winds or associated gusts of 34 knots or greater, hail 3/4 inch or more in diameter or waterspouts.

You also can stay aware of short-term weather conditions and forecasts while on the water by using your Internet-capable cell phone or PDA. Simply point your HTTP-enabled device (PDA) to mobile.srh.weather.gov or your WAP-enabled device (Internet-capable cell phone) to www.srh.noaa.gov/ wml. These sites will allow you to check the current marine conditions and updated forecasts and will allow you to view the latest radar and satellite images for your area.

Stay Aware

LIGHTNING also presents a danger to boaters. Florida has more lightning strikes than any other state, and Florida also often leads the nation in lightning related fatalities and injuries. Many of these deaths and injuries occur on the water. If you hear thunder, you potentially can be struck by lightning. If you are on a boat and lightning is occurring, return to safe harbor. If you are unable to get to safe harbor quickly, lie down or, if possible, get below deck.

Thunderstorm Dangers

WATERSPOUTS are similar to tornadoes; however, waterspouts form over water. Waterspouts form during severe thunderstorms that occur over water, and they can be quite strong. But they also can form during fair and relatively calm weather. Such “fair weather waterspouts” are not as strong, but they can easily damage or destroy a small boat. The best way to avoid a waterspout is to move at a 90-degree angle to its apparent movement.

The National Weather Service issues a variety of products that will alert boaters to the presence of dangerous weather conditions on the water. The most efficient method of receiving these warnings and other forecast information is through NOAA Weather Radio. The U.S. Coast Guard also re-broadcasts some of these warnings, advisories and statements across the marine radio emergency channel. Another popular method of receiving National Weather Service information, especially before you head out on the water, is on the Internet. All NWS offices have a Web site containing important local weather information.

A safe and enjoyable Florida boating experience is up to you. Always plan ahead and follow safe boating practices. In good weather, exposure to the sun has its own risks. Always use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. A safe and enjoyable Florida boating experience is up to you.