What to do if You’re Outdoors in a Thunderstorm

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors

Policy & What to do in a Thunderstorm

First,  Know Before You Go!

• Check weather & river conditions before heading out and plan accordingly.
• We normally operate rain or shine.  Only a severe circumstance will cause cancellations.  
• If a thunderstorm appears to be imminent, we may hold trips until the storm passes.  Usually these storms are over quickly.  
• Keep a “Watchful Weather Eye” to the sky.  Some thunderstorm warning signs include large, puffy clouds that darken.  Winds that change direction quickly.  Sudden cooling in air temperature are a few signs.  

If you are already on the river

• Consider heading to shore or the next takeout if you notice any combination of the signs. If you aren’t convinced that a storm will begin, you can stay near a landing while you watch the weather. If conditions improve, head back out. If they worsen, head to dry land.
• If it’s safe to do so, and you have time before the storm arrives,  quickly get to an established takeout location.  
• Get off the water quickly at a location that’s safe to do so. Keep in mind that most locations on the river are only accessible from the road at an established putin or takeout location.  
• If you are fishing or swimming, get out of the water and move away from the edge.
• Seek the best shelter possible given your location. Don’t stay near tall isolated objects like a single tree or in the open area of a sandbar. Tents do not provide protection from lightning.
• If no shelter is available, crouch down, feet close together with your head tucked down and your hands over your ears. Minimize your contact with the ground.  
• Don’t lie down. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away. Crouching down is the best combination of being low and touching the ground as little as possible.  
• Avoid objects that conduct electricity such as graphite and metal, (paddles, tent poles, camp stoves, power lines, umbrellas, etc).  
• If a strike occurs, apply first aid to victims – Call 911 immediately.  Wait until danger is past before helping victims. Victims without a pulse can be revived with CPR; and, 80% of those struck by lightning survive.