|
April 28, 2006
OHIO BOATERS REMINDED TO BE AWARE OF STORM HAZARDS
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio’s unpredictable spring weather can sometimes present strong and violent storms with high winds, lightning, hail and even tornadoes, as some Ohio boaters have recently learned. To ensure a fun and safe day on the water, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) encourages recreational boaters to take certain precautions before heading out this spring.
“Already this year we’ve had several incidents involving boaters caught on open water during severe storms,” said Mike Quinn, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. “Fortunately, we’ve had no fatalities. But the potential for an accident exists for boaters who do not exert care in these situations.”
Basic safety guidelines include: checking weather forecasts before departing, filing a float plan with your marina, knowing your boat’s limitations, having a properly operating VHF marine band radio on board, and wearing an approved lifejacket.
ODNR offers these additional safety tips for boaters:
- Watch for any significant changes in weather patterns. Listen to NOAA weather radio and additional official sources of information for the latest warnings, watches, advisories and forecasts.
- During lightning storms, return to safe harbor as quickly and safely as possible and seek shelter inside a sturdy, enclosed building. If caught on the open water, boaters should stay away from all ungrounded metal objects and seek the best possible shelter while on board.
- Remember that wind gusts of 34 knots or more can swamp and capsize small boats. Boaters should look for signs of approaching strong winds near storms by noting an arc of low-altitude clouds fast approaching their vicinity.
- Waterspouts and tornadoes rarely occur on Lake Erie, but when they do these violent winds can cause serious injury and death. The best way to avoid a waterspout or tornado is to move at a 90-degree angle away from its apparent directional movement.
Additional boating safety and related information is available online at ohiodnr.com
|