I have a discovery channel question...

[Slacker]

This is a question I think would have been answered in my days of watching the discovery channel, but either I missed it or it was never aired for some reason. So anyhow here it goes...

Electricity 101 for some I suppose

2 scenerios

1. If I was driving along on a lake in a my 205 sport with a huge aluminum wakeboard tower (aka lightening rod) and its starts thundering and lightening what should I do and what "could" happen?

Would it be best to nail the throttle full speed and race towards the dock (which could possibly be about 15-20 minutes away), cruise slowly towards the dock, cruise slowly towards the dock along the shoreline, or stay put under somewhere/something along the shoreline?

Also if the boat was struck what would happen (I know theres no for sure answer here, but curious as to best guess).


2. If I was swimming in a lake about 60 feet deep and it started thundering and lightening. If the lightening hits the water x number fo feet to where I am swimming what would happen?

I know water is a conductor, but when we are talking about that many gallons I would think the electricity would be dispersed, but don't know for sure so I was curious about that as well. Would I feel it? Would it kill me?

 

[Kameroo]

I've read that your odds would be worse than that of a golfer. I think Heartland Boating had an article on the subject last year. If you don't cook yourself from the inside out, there is still a risk of nerve damage or cardiac arrest.

If possible, I would put distance between you and the storm. I've been stuck on a river with no options and it's not fun. Also, keep in mind that when the heavy rain hits your visibility will drop to zero.

Here is a link with some general info on a bonding system.

http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/lightning.htm

 

[Hampton]

I can't answer all of your questions, but, don't be the highest object for any great distance (go closer to shore?). Don't hide under the highest object for any great distance. You could get killed in the water. If it weren't close enough to kill you, you could feel it and survive. You could consider grounding your tower to the water like some rag-boaters do. This would attract more lightening strikes than not grounding, but if hit, there is a greater chance that the lightening would pass harmlessly into the water.

Generally speaking, if a boat is hit, the lightening travels through to the water like the boat isn't there (hiding inside a cabin). In an open boat with a tower, cruising at high speed with a metal rod beating the ions out of the air and collecting a huge static charge doesn't sound like the best choice.

I think I would recommend getting closer to shore in an area where there are tall objects in your area, but not directly above you. Head to shore under a tree line comprised of small, shady trees (might as well try to stay dry). Pick an area where there is at least one, much taller tree 100' away or so. That tree is likely to take a strike anywhere in your vicinity, and at 100' away, you'll defecate your boarder shorts, but you'll be ok.

As far as cruising back slowly, I think you are too exposed for too long of time. Bottom line: Don't highlight yourself, and don't worry about it too much. The decision isn't yours to make.

 

[keokie]

I've been in my share of lightening storms. It sure is unnerving. We lower than antenna before hand, and stay in the cabin when possible. But, as Hampton noted, you have pretty limited control. One thing of note. An ER physician once told me the survival rate for those struck by lightening is actually pretty high if CPR is administered. I'm not sure what information he based that on, but I noted it, and would certainly put his theory to the test if the need arose.

 

[billandamy]

Matt...are you continually replaying the events of last year's thunder, wind and hail storm or are you planning a day out of wakeboarding specifically on a future storm you see coming?

I'm in.

PS...next wednesday is a go for us. You?

 

[Slacker]

No, I'm continually replaying the events of 3 weeks ago in my head. I was the only boat in the lake and by far the highest point in the water flying at 55mph for a good solid 5-10 minutes while lightening is striking all around me. I docked the boat and hid out under some low trees for a while until it passed.

I will know later in the week. But most likely I'm in of course!

 

[billandamy]

No, I'm continually replaying the events of 3 weeks ago in my head. I was the only boat in the lake and by far the highest point in the water flying at 55mph for a good solid 5-10 minutes while lightening is striking all around me. I docked the boat and hid out under some low trees for a while until it passed.

I will know later in the week. But most likely I'm in of course!

Ahhh...ok the Friday before I left for Winni. That was a storm and a half. Where did you dock up?

As far as you in open water, I think YOU become the highest point bobbing there, so I would assume you would get hit directly. Hitting the water away from you, I would think like you said; that the amount of water (grounding?) would negate the electrocution. :huh:

 

[Slacker]

Ahhh...ok the Friday before I left for Winni. That was a storm and a half. Where did you dock up?

As far as you in open water, I think YOU become the highest point bobbing there, so I would assume you would get hit directly. Hitting the water away from you, I would think like you said; that the amount of water (grounding?) would negate the electrocution. :huh:

I just tied up aat Zoar. Nobody was using the dock at that point in time.

 

[Slacker]

And to reply to the rest of you. What you are basically saying is if I'm on the boat... I'm f*cked! In the water I'm OK depending upon how far away the lightening hits the water.

My conclusion thus far is that I'm actually safer in the water....