Date: 7/22/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: 702-486-5127 x 3500

SUMMER STORMS POSE DANGERS FOR BOATERS

Summer thunderstorms in Southern Nevada are characterized by sudden and often violent changes in the weather. The characteristics of summer storms are high winds, lightning and heavy rain that create severe danger for boaters, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

“Many people, especially those who are new to the desert or here on vacation just don’t realize how fast desert thunderstorms come up. Unsuspecting boaters are often taken by surprise and that can lead to some very real safety problems,” said Lt. David Pfiffner, supervising game warden for NDOW.

Over the years, several people have lost their lives in weather related boating accidents along the Lower Colorado River. Swamped boats are a significant problem this time of year and not only pose a danger to passengers but also to responding game wardens. Oftentimes the victims aren’t wearing their life jackets when an accident occurs.

“When caught by a storm, a boater’s first order of business – if they aren’t wearing it already – is to put on their life jacket. Then the boater should look for a protected location, such as a cove, in which to ride out the storm,” Pfiffner said. One of the worst things a boater can do is try to outrun the storm back to the marina.

Summer storms may also be accompanied by heavy rains that can lead to flash floods, which can wash large amounts of debris into waterways. Boat operators should watch for floating debris that might damage their boat or cause a serious accident.

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, he said. When thunderheads build up on the horizon, it’s probably time to head in. Pfiffner encourages anyone who recreates outdoors to make a habit of checking – and heeding – the weather forecast before leaving home and routinely checking it while out and about.

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.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and 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.