What To Do If Severe Weather Strikes

Prepare the paddlecraft

• Keep enough speed to maintain headway and steering. Don’t stop and just sit still or float along with the current.
• Secure any unnecessary gear.
• If there is lightning, stay clear of metal objects.
• In a kayak:
  • Close any open hatches.
  • If you have a bilge pump, be prepared to start it if rain water builds up in the boat.
  • If you have a spray skirt, be sure it is secure to keep water out of the boat’s interior.

Prepare yourself and others

• Make sure everyone is wearing a properly secured, USCG–approved life jacket.
• Have everyone stay low and close to the centerline of the paddlecraft.