Date: 7/07/10
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

SUMMER THUNDERSTORMS A BOATING DANGER

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that Southern Nevada actually has a thunderstorm season but it does and those storms can be both sudden and violent. Common characteristics of summer thunderstorms include high winds, lightning and heavy rain that together create significant danger for boaters.

“Many people, especially those who are new to the desert or are here visiting from somewhere else, do not realize how fast a desert thunderstorm can develop and break loose. Boaters who are unaware of this fact are often taken by surprise when a storm comes up, and the results can be disastrous,” said David Pfiffner, Boating Law Administrator for NDOW.

Over the years, several people have lost their lives in weather related boating accidents on Lakes Mead and Mohave. Others have come close and oftentimes the victims are not wearing life jackets at the time of their demise.

“When caught by a storm, the first thing a boater should do -- if they don’t have one on already -- is to put on their life jacket and make sure that each of his passengers does the same. Then the boater should look for a protected location such as a cove or small bay in which to ride out the storm,” Pfiffner said. What a boater doesn’t want to do is try to outrun a storm back to the marina.

Summer storms may also be accompanied by heavy rains and flash floods, which can wash large amounts of debris into lakes, rivers and other waterways. Boaters need to watch for floating debris that might damage their boat or cause an accident.

When it comes to summer thunderstorms a good rule of thumb is to “keep an eye to the sky.” The sky will tell the weather story for you, especially during the summer. It’s also a good idea for outdoor enthusiasts to make a habit of checking the weather forecast before leaving home and routinely checking it while out and about. Of course it does no good to check the weather forecast if you are going to ignore it.

Changes in the weather generally come from the west. The list of warning signs includes wind shifts, thunderheads building up in the distance, increasingly choppy waters, swelling waves and a drop in barometric pressure.

NDOW encourages people who frequent the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and other desert water to carry a marine ban radio and a cellular telephone. The National Park Service monitors two-way radios 24-hours a day on channels 16 and 22A.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.