Safety
Lightning safety on piers and open water
There is no safe place outdoors in a thunderstorm. The plan is to leave early, not to wait it out.
When thunder roars, go indoors
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Piers, open beaches, and boats are among the most exposed places in the region.
Leave before it arrives
Summer storms build quickly over warm water. Watch the sky to the west, check radar before you commit to a long walk out a pier, and give yourself the time it takes to get back to a vehicle.
- A vehicle with a metal roof is safer than a pier shelter
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning
- Carbon rods do not attract lightning, but you do not want to be the tallest thing outdoors