Caught in Severe Weather While Boating? Learn What To Do

May 27, 2025

Updated May 2025 Boating in bad weather can be a risk to the safety of your boat and of everyone onboard. As a boat operator, it is important to know how to avoid being caught in bad weather, and it is your responsibility to know what to do if you are.

Sudden weather changes are not uncommon in Canada, and adapting to the change can be particularly challenging for boaters. In this blog, we’ll talk about navigating rapid weather changes while boating.

How to prepare your boat for bad weather

It’s always important to do regular maintenance to be sure your vessel is in good working condition. You can even get a free pleasure craft check to verify that it is up to standard and likely to survive rough water.

Chek the hull

Check the hull for any cracks or damage, and make sure your drain plug is securely in place.

Distribute load evenly

Make sure the weight of people and gear is evenly distributed and does not exceed the boat’s safe carrying capacity. Remember, bad weather reduces the safe carrying capacity.

Secure all loose gear

All loose items on deck or in the cockpit should be stowed away or securely lashed down to prevent them from becoming projectiles or washing overboard in rough seas.

Have all required safety equipment on board and accessible

Boating safety equipment includes:

• Personal flotation devices (life jackets and PFDs)
• Navigation lights
• An appropriate sound-signalling device (horn or whistle)
• A manual water pump or bailer
• A boat fire extinguisher
• An appropriate anchoring system
• Communications tools (such as a working VHF marine radio or a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof bag)
• Navigation tools
• A first-aid kit
• A toool kit & spare parts
• Boating distress signals (flares or other visual distress signals)
• A reboarding device (depending on boat type)
• A buoyant heaving line

How to prepare passengers for severe weather

Preparing your passengers for severe weather while boating is also important. It starts before you even leave the dock and continues with vigilance while underway.

Do a pre-departure briefing

Explain the importance or even obligation of wearing a PFD or life jacket. Encourage passengers to becomes familiar with the layout of the boat and make sure everyone is familiar with relevant emergency equipment, including where it is located and how to use the VHF Radio. Give passengers a brief introduction to the “Rules of the Road”, and explain how to move around safely on a boat, especially in rough water. It’s also a good idea to brief them on what to do if the boat capsizes or someone falls overboard, including how to treat cold water shock.

Briefly discuss the current and forecast weather conditions. Explain that marine weather can change quickly. Let them know your general plan for monitoring weather and what actions you might take.

Have a “No Panic” policy. Emphasize the importance of staying calm and listening to your instructions if conditions worsen. Panicking can make a situation worse.

What to do when operating a boat in bad weather

Remember, the safety of a boat and its occupants is the operator’s responsibility.

If a storm is heading your way

Staying vigilant at all times will help you spot a sudden shift in the weather and spot a storm moving at you. You should first check the local weather forecast to see if there are any warnings or alerts in your area that may confirm a storm is approaching.

If you have a VHF marine radio use it to listen to weather updates and to call for assistance if needed before the bad weather hits.

If you are caught in a storm

If the weather suddenly changes while you are enjoying a day on the water and you get caught in a storm, head back to shore as soon as possible. If you are unable to make it to shore, reduce your speed and head towards the nearest sheltered area. If that is not an option, anchor your boat and ride out the storm.

If possible, call for help or get assistance from another boater.

Take care of your passengers

Make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket, including the boat operator.

Instruct passengers to sit on the floor or as low as possible in the boat, ideally near the centerline. This lowers the boat’s center of gravity, which reduces the risk of capsizing, increases stability and makes the ride less jarring. Advise everyone to hold onto secure handholds, and keep their arms, legs, and heads inside the boat.

For older children or adults, you might also assign simple, safe tasks that keep them engaged and feeling helpful. Explain your actions calmly, and give clear instructions to keep everyone feeling informed and safe.

Always check the weather before heading out on the water

Knowing what to do in bad weather is one thing. Ideally, before setting out on the water, you should inform yourself of the maritime weather forecast to prevent getting caught in poor conditions. This information is available from a variety of sources, including Environment Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and local weather forecasting networks.

Given how weather conditions can change quickly, it is important to regularly check the weather forecast.

Continue to monitor the weather while on the water

It’s important to keep an eye on the sky and stay alert for any warning indications of a storm, such as black clouds or lightning.

Make sure you can read a marine chart and are aware of all local boating conditions, including tides and currents. This will allow you to navigate to safety if needed.

Signs of bad weather approaching

To protect the safety of your boat and crew, you must act quickly if you spot any indications of an impending storm. In Canada, storms typically approach from the west or southwest. Strong winds can arise without warning and are a common cause of boating deaths in Canada.

Learn to prepare for the unexpected with Drive a Boat Canada!

Boating in sudden weather changes can be dangerous, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure the safety of your boat and crew. Remember to obtain marine weather forecast information before heading out on the water, keep an eye on the weather conditions, and be prepared with all the necessary safety gear.

Before leaving, you should always file a float plan, so someone on shore knows where you are. And learn how to navigate rough water before you find yourself in the middle of a storm!

Stay calm, act quickly, and always prioritize safety. To be fully prepared, get your Canadian boating license with Drive a Boat Canada. We offer a Transport Canada approved boating safety course, 100% online, which will prepare you for the official boating exam. Passing the test is the only way to obtain your lifetime Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Register today and take the first step toward boating safely on Canadian waters!