Bryon Grove Dreamstime.com
Article courtesy of The Canadian Safe Boating Council
Fair skies and winds are the ideal conditions to enjoy a day on the water. Unfortunately, the weather in any boating region never remains constant and determining the marine forecast and then deciding to resume with your plans is important for everyone’s onboard safety.
Despite favourable weather conditions, sudden changes can occur without warning. High winds result in rough water and unexpected storms can be dangerous since some bowriders, cuddies and fishing boats are not designed to handle extreme conditions. So, when the forecast is calling for inclement weather sooner than later stay onshore or plan accordingly. If you’re already on the water and the weather starts to change, make your way into port as quickly and safely as possible.
Determining Marine Forecasts
There are a number of ways to find out about the weather in your local area before a boating trip. Start by making personal observations of the sky and wind conditions, which can then be verified by local forecasts or even specific marine weather forecasts. Environment Canada at www.weather.gc.ca/marine/index_e.html and The Weather Network at www.theweathernetwork.com are some of the popular resources with current conditions. They also provide detailed maps plus satellite and radar images.
Other reliable sources are the weather alerts that are relayed through marine VHF radios (on Channel 2 for the Shuswap region) or designated marine weather apps.
Nicole Logan
“Keep a Weather Eye” Out
Before or during any boating trip, frequently observe cloud patterns and sky conditions. If the sky is getting dark or there is a shift in the wind, expect a change in the weather. Be cautious and sensitive so you can make alternate plans before bad weather ensues.
Summer thunderstorms strike quite unexpectedly. Winds and waves associated with storms can also increase suddenly (and drastically), creating intense conditions.
If you do get caught in bad weather while on the water, make your way to shore (if the conditions and the capabilities of your boat allow it). As an alternative, resort to local charts or your GPS to find a bay, cove or other sheltered location to wait out the conditions. Everyone should also be wearing certified PFDs.
When you feel you can make it to port, slow down, proceed with caution and approach the waves bow-on at a 45-degree angle. Also, keep the boat balanced to avoid potential capsizing or other incidents.
Being cautious and attentive to weather conditions is just smart boating. If you feel there is any risk, don’t go. It’s your responsibility to “keep a weather eye” out and to ‘boat safe – return safe.’ Enjoy your time on the water and ‘have many happy returns.’
You’re Caught in a Storm on Your Boat, Now What? Here’s What To Do:
According to Boaterexam.com, there are several ways to manage inclement conditions and be sure to follow these best practices:
- Try to match the speed of your boat with the speed of the waves, which means slowing down. As a result, there will be less strain on your boat’s hull, portholes or other components.
- Stay clear of rocky shorelines. If you run a smaller boat like a bowrider, cuddy or fishing boat, try mooring on a sand beach.
- Do not attempt to return to your marina or home port if there’s a safe location nearby.
- If you can’t make it to shore, secure all hatches, and close all doors, ports and windows to keep water out.
- Emergency gear such as hand pumps, signalling devices, the first aid kit, etc. should be easily accessible.
- Keep the bilge empty and repeat pumping as needed to prevent water from sloshing as the boat rolls, which can affect stability.
- Get a fix on your position and plot it on your chart. Mark your heading, speed, and time. Chart your course to the nearest shore or dock if it’s safe.
- Turn on navigation lights
- During a thunder/lightning storm, no one on board should be near electrical and ungrounded components.
- Be aware of floating debris, obstacles and other boats.
- If visibility is limited, maintain a slow speed until conditions improve.
Other Tips for Managing Bad Weather on Lake Shuswap
According to Rob Sutherland, Station Leader of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station 106 Shuswap, monitor emergency channel 16 on your VHF marine radio and for dire situations, make a distress call or contact 911 on your smart device, which is the best way to get help on lake systems.
Rescue teams of the RCMSAR are dispatched through the system by BC Emergency Health Services Ambulance (BCEHS). In the event there are injuries due to bad conditions, you can request for BCEHS and paramedics will be dispatched on the boat with the search and rescue team. - Steve Fennell
For more information visit www.rcmsar106.ca