Being caught in a storm’s path while out on the water is never ideal, whether you are paddling down a river, fishing in the ocean, or cruising on a lake. Storms create many safety risks to those onboard and the boat itself. Between harsh waves, strong currents, and destructive winds, stormy weather out on the water exposes you to multiple dangers. One of the most fatal dangers is lightning, making it a boating 101 must-know. Learn what happens when lightning hits the water and discover the importance of lightning awareness and safety while boating.

Electrical Charge Dispersal

Water is an electricity conductor—it influences and directs the flow of electrical charges. Since water spreads across vast surfaces and covers all directions, electrical charges disperse everywhere when lightning hits the water. The lightning’s electrical currents reach all that the water touches. A lightning strike can surround your entire boat with electrically charged water, causing many safety risks.

Electrocution Hazards

Charged water generates electrocution hazards. Touching water hit by lightning can send high voltages and amps of electricity through your body. The higher the electrical charge, the greater the electrocution risk and fatality. Electrocution can lead to cardiac arrest, burns, and nerve damage. Water surrounds you when you’re boating, increasing your chances of electrocution after lightning hits the water.

Boat and Electronic Damage

People occupying the boat are not the only ones vulnerable to electrocution hazards. Lightning-struck, charged water can also electrocute boats and any electronic systems. Lightning bolts can contain millions of electrical voltages, surpassing the maximum voltage and amplification capacity of most appliances and vehicles. On average, a single bolt can reach up to 300 million volts. The lightning-charged water can cause physical damage, power surges, and fire risks.

A lot can happen when lightning hits the water while you’re out boating. No matter what lighting strikes, damage and danger typically follow. Lightning detectors for boats keep boaters situationally aware of lightning hazards. Alerted boaters can then quickly and safely make their way back to shore and out of the 25-mile strike range. Integrate lightning detection in your boat’s designs with a lightning detector from TALOS.