What to do if Lightning is Looming

lightning, boat safety, storm, thunderstorm

Last week was National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, an excellent reminder to stay vigilant about the dangers of lightning, especially during these warm summer months when the fishing season is in full swing. It’s worth taking a moment to highlight the critical importance of understanding and respecting the power of lightning, especially when you’re out on a watercraft.

A lightning strike is one of the deadliest forms of weather-related incidents. According to the National Weather Service, hundreds of people are severely injured or killed by lightning strikes in the U.S. each year. Being out on a watercraft during a storm place you at an increased risk of being struck due to the lack of surrounding taller objects.

So what can you do to stay safe? Here are some steps to keep in mind:

1. Stay Weather-Aware

The key to avoiding lightning danger is preventative action. Regularly check weather updates and forecasts when planning your fishing trips. The NOAA Weather Radio, weather apps, and VHF marine radio are your best friends in staying updated. If there’s even a slight chance of thunderstorms, it’s better to reschedule your outing.

2. Know the Early Signs of a Storm

While modern technology provides accurate weather forecasts, things can change rapidly. Be aware of the early signs of a thunderstorm: increasing winds, darkening clouds, distant rumbles of thunder, or flashes of heat lightning in the sky.

3. Head for Shore

If you’re out on the water and notice signs of an approaching storm, head for the shore immediately. It’s not advisable to wait until the storm is upon you before taking action. If you’re near a marina, dock your boat, put everything in various compartments, lock them, and seek shelter in the nearest building.

4. Disconnect Electronics

Prevent them from getting fried by a possible lightning strike. Store them away in waterproof compartments.

5. Can’t make Landfall? Stay Low and Centered

Your boat becomes the only shelter available when you cannot reach land before the storm hits. Make sure your PFD is on and tight. Avoid touching the water, metal objects, or any electrical equipment.

Adopt a safety position. This position involves sitting or crouching low in the boat’s center, feet together, and hands on your knees. It reduces the potential paths for lightning to travel if it strikes the boat. Make sure your rubber-based shoes are on your feet.

6. After the Storm

Once the storm passes, check for injuries and damage. Look for electrical damage or potential fire hazards, especially if lightning strikes your boat.

Remember, the purpose of National Lightning Awareness Week is to educate, not to scare. As an angler, understanding the power and danger of lightning and knowing the appropriate steps can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and let’s continue enjoying our time out on the water – safely!

7 of the Very Best Boat Trailering Tips

boat, boat trailer, boat trailering tips

Properly securing your boat to a trailer and ensuring a safe transport experience is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your watercraft. This blog post will discuss the best boat trailering tips, emphasizing The Key Captain Trim Engine Up/Down system. Learn how this tool can make your boat trailering experience safer and more efficient!

Choose the Right Trailer for Your Boat

The trailer should be designed for your boat’s size, weight, and type. A compatible trailer will protect your boat and make your trailering experience smoother and more secure.

Inspect and Maintain Your Trailer

Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust, damaged tires, or malfunctioning lights. Addressing these issues promptly will help prevent potential accidents and prolong the life of your trailer.

Load and Balance Your Boat Properly

Ensure the boat is centered on the trailer, with the weight evenly distributed. Improperly balanced boats can sway during transport, causing potential damage and increasing the risk of accidents.

Secure Your Boat with Quality Straps

Once your boat is correctly loaded onto the trailer, secure it with high-quality straps. Ensure the straps are tight and in good condition, as loose or damaged straps can lead to accidents or damage to your boat.

Utilize The Key Captain

The Key Captain, boat trailering, trim up, trim down

The Key Captain system is an innovative remote control device that simplifies boat trailering. The Trim Engine Up/Down feature allows you to remotely raise or lower your boat’s outboard or stern drive engine. This function is beneficial when loading and unloading your boat, enabling you to control the engine position without being physically at the helm.

With The Key Captain system, you can ensure your boat’s engine is in the optimal position for trailering.

Check Your Tow Vehicle’s Capacity

Before hitting the road, ensure your tow vehicle can safely handle the weight of your boat and trailer. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for its towing capacity and ensure it’s sufficient for your needs. Overloading your tow vehicle can lead to accidents and damage to your car and your boat.

Perform a Final Walkaround and Safety Check

Before leaving, perform a final walkaround of your boat and trailer to ensure everything is secure and in proper working order. Check the hitch connection, safety chains, lights, and tire pressure.

Conclusion

Boat trailering doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Remember that proper preparation and attention to detail are crucial for protecting your valuable watercraft and enjoying a worry-free trailering experience.

Order The Key Captain Today!

The Key Captain, Key Captain Electronic Locking System for boats and recreational vehicles

The Key Captain Is A State Of The Art Electronic Locking System Ideal For Bass and Other Fishing Boats. If You Need Someone To Walk You Through The Options, call us at  1-440-899-9820, Monday-Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm EST. Or let us know if you’d like to have it installed on a new boat or retrofitted onto your boat through a dealer near you

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