Northern Middlesex

	Public Information Statement
Statement as of 6:00 am EDT on May 23, 2013 ... Safe boating week is may 18-24 2013... The National Weather Service and the National safe boating Council will partner for National safe boating week may 18-24. This week will highlight relevant weather and safety specific public service announcements for the recreational boating public. Today/S topic is thunderstorm safety. Thunderstorms can be a mariners worst nightmare. They can develop quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms can bring shifting and gusty winds... lightning... waterspouts... and torrential downpours. They can turn a day/S pleasure into a nightmare of distress. A lightning strike to a vessel can be catastrophic... especially if it results in a fire or loss of electronics. If your boat has a cabin... then stay inside and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat does not have a cabin... stay as low as you can in the boat. Ultimately... boating safety begins ashore with planning and training. Keep in mind that thunderstorms are usually brief... so waiting it out is better than riding it out. For more information on hazardous weather and boating safety... visit the following websites... Http://www.NWS.NOAA.Gov/safeboating Http://www.Safeboatingcouncil.Org Publication information statements are online at Http://www.NWS.NOAA.Gov/om/notif.Htm