AZGFD offers tips for boaters, off-road users to be prepared for monsoon

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering tips for users of boats and off-road vehicles to be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions during the monsoon season, which got underway on Tuesday.

The severity of a monsoon storm varies greatly from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm that can be dangerous for those who aren’t prepared.

“It’s important for people to keep the day’s weather in mind,” Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator, said in a press release.

“If severe weather is likely, or storms are starting to build up around you, it’s a good time to safely get off the water or trails and head indoors.”

Those who are on a boat, personal watercraft or paddleboard are advised to wear a life jacket at all times while in the water as storms could create large waves that could knock a passenger from the boat. Anyone under 12 is legally required to wear a life jacket at all times, according to the release.

Other boating tips include securing all gear above and below decks and keep everyone away from electrical and underground complements and remain as low in the boat as possible if caught in a storm.

All electrical equipment should be disconnected if there is lightning and people are advised to stay clear of metal objects as much as possible.

Boats during a storm should slow down but keep enough headway and steering while turning on navigation lights and heading for the nearest shore that is safe to approach.

However, the release says it may be best to ride out the storm in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy winds and waves.

Boats should head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle, while personal watercraft should head directly into the waves, according to the release.

Meanwhile, those using an off-road vehicle should always wear proper safety gear, seek shelter indoors if storms are developing nearby and never cross running water as it could look shallow but be deep enough to push the vehicle downstream.

Drivers of off-road vehicles are also advised to go slowly to not lose control on muddied trails as well as avoiding open fields, high ground, standing bodies of water, trees, poles or other tall objects during storms with lightning.

Monsoon season continues through September and comes with higher humidity, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, flash flooding, dust storms and extreme heat.

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