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PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
600 AM EDT WED MAY 22 2024

...This is National Safe Boating Week...

Here are some safety tips if heading out on inland bodies of water:

Before going boating, fishing, diving or enjoying other water
sports, check the forecast from http://weather.gov or your favorite
weather source. If severe weather is predicted, stay home or go
earlier than normal. Be prepared to head to shore quickly. Monitor
storms via: NOAA Weather Radio, http://mobile.weather.gov or apps
that have radar/lightning data.

If you are caught out in a storm and can`t get back in time, here`s
what do to:

Divers should get out of the water and get to safety. If that is not
possible, dive as deep as possible for the duration of the storm or
as long as possible.

Stop all activities when there is lightning or when weather
conditions look threatening. The first lightning strike can come out
of a clear blue sky many miles ahead of an approaching thunderstorm
cloud.

If your boat has a cabin, stay in the center of the cabin. If you
don`t have a completely enclosed cabin, stay low.

Keep arms and legs in the boat. Do not dangle them in the water.
Water conducts electricity from lightning.

Disconnect electronic equipment, including the radio, throughout the
duration of the storm.

Lower, remove or tie down the radio antenna and other protruding
devices if they are NOT part of a lightning protection system.

If someone is struck by lightning, perform CPR immediately if
needed.  Victims do not carry an electrical charge after being
struck. There is no danger to you in offering emergency aide.

If a boat has been struck by lightning, or is suspected of having
been struck, check the electrical system and the compasses to ensure
that no damage has occurred.

Consider downloading the NWS mobile site at
http://mobile.weather.gov or another weather app. Be sure your app
offers forecasts and NWS watches, warnings and advisories. Some more
advanced apps, offer radar data and lightning information, which can
be vital for boaters caught out when the weather changes.


This concludes today`s topic on Inland Boating. Tomorrow will focus
on Cold Water Safety.

$$