During lightning, what should you do?

During lightning, what should you do?

• A. Stay on deck
• B. Increase speed
• C. Get off the water as soon as possible (Correct)
• D. Seek shelter below deck

Answer: (C)

When lightning is nearby, the goal is to remove yourself from the water to reduce exposure to the electrical current. Water conducts electricity, so a strike can travel through the water and affect anyone on or near the surface. A boat on open water leaves you exposed to the strike and to side currents, making you more vulnerable. Getting off the water as soon as possible minimizes the chance of direct strike or electric shock, especially if you can reach shore and take shelter in a substantial building or other solid shelter. Increasing speed doesn’t reduce risk and can create additional hazards, while going below deck may offer some protection in some vessels but isn’t as reliable as reaching protected shelter on land.

When lightning is nearby, the goal is to remove yourself from the water to reduce exposure to the electrical current. Water conducts electricity, so a strike can travel through the water and affect anyone on or near the surface. A boat on open water leaves you exposed to the strike and to side currents, making you more vulnerable. Getting off the water as soon as possible minimizes the chance of direct strike or electric shock, especially if you can reach shore and take shelter in a substantial building or other solid shelter. Increasing speed doesn’t reduce risk and can create additional hazards, while going below deck may offer some protection in some vessels but isn’t as reliable as reaching protected shelter on land.