While we don’t often contend with hurricanes here in New York, there are still plenty of marine weather conditions that should concern boaters in the Empire State. Coastal storms are not uncommon, and they can cause serious trouble for anyone who gets caught out on the water. This guide from Whaleneck Marine will cover the basics of storm prep for New York boaters!
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Get Familiar with the Forecast
The first step in preparing for inclement weather is to monitor the forecast. Coastal storms can be notoriously hard to predict, but most of them occur between August and October. These are also peak times for boating, of course! Just remember to keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and be prepared to change your plans if dark clouds appear on the horizon.
Stock Up on Safety Gear
Every boat should have an emergency kit that contains a fire extinguisher, first-aid basics, signal flares, and other safety essentials. You should also have a VHF radio and a cell phone on board, so you can check the latest forecast and call for help when you need it. Most importantly, make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket!
Take Action When a Storm Hits
Marine weather conditions are fickle. Even when the forecast looks clear, you never know when a storm might strike out of nowhere. So, what happens when you are already out on the water? Your first priority should be heading back to shore. Always take the fastest route to dry land, even if that means heading to a different port than you intended.
Meanwhile, double check that everyone on board is wearing their life jackets, and ask them to stay positioned in the center of the boat. This will reduce the likelihood of anyone being tossed overboard. Monitor your VHF radio for updates on the forecast, and keep an ear out for distress calls from other boaters in the area. Provide assistance where you can, and be prepared to broadcast your own distress call if your boat starts taking on water.
If you need more advice on boating in a storm, feel free to ask the experts here at Whaleneck Marine! We proudly serve boaters in Merrick, NY.