The National Weather Service and the National safe boating Council
will partner for National safe boating week may 19th through may
25th. The week will highlight relevant weather and safety-specific
public service announcements for the recreational boating public.
New for 2012 will be increased focus on the issue of hypothermia- a
serious issue that all boaters need to be aware of before going out
on the water. Other topics will include the use of epirbs (distress
radio beacons), winds and waves, thunderstorm safety, understanding
your marine forecast, life jacket wear, and boating under the
influence.
The schedule for the week is as follows:
Saturday... ..May 19th... ..Hypothermia
Sunday... ... .may 20th... ..Life jackets
Monday... ... .may 21st... ..Thunderstorms and fog
Tuesday... ... may 22nd... ..Effects of alcohol and drugs
Wednesday... .may 23rd... ..Marine forecasts
Thursday... ..May 24th... ..Wind and waves
Friday... ... .may 25th... ..Epirbs
The topic for today is the dangers of thunderstorms and fog.
Thunderstorms can be a mariner's worst nightmare. They can develop
quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms
can bring shifting and gusty winds... lightning... waterspouts... and
torrential downpours which can turn a day's pleasure into a
nightmare of distress. A lightning strike to a vessel can be
catastrophic... especially if it results in a fire or loss of
electronics. If your boat has a cabin... then stay inside and avoid
touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat does not have a
cabin... stay as low as you can in the boat. Ultimately... boating
safety begins ashore with planning and training. Keep in mind that
thunderstorms are usually brief so waiting it out is better than
riding it out.
Chances are you will occasionally encounter reduced visibility in
fog over the water and you will need to know how to navigate through
it safely. Fog forms when air over a warm water surface is
transported over a colder water surface... resulting in cooling and
condensation. Fog is usually considered dense if it reduces
visibility to less than one mile. It can form quickly and catch
boaters off guard. Visibility can be reduced to a few feet...
disorienting boaters. If you encounter fog... navigate at a slower
than normal speed. Turn on all of your running lights... even in
daytime. Listen for sounds of other boats that may be near you... or
for fog horns and Bells from nearby buoys. Use GPS or a navigation
chart to help obtain a fix on your location. If you are unable to
get your bearings... stay put until the fog lifts but make sure you
are in a safe location.
For more information on hazardous weather and boating safety...
please visit the following websites:
Weather.Gov/Tampa
http://safeboatingcouncil.Org
