What should you do first if the weather turns bad while boating on a lake?

When bad weather emerges while boating on a lake, ensuring that all passengers are wearing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) should be your first priority. This is essential for safety since the risk of capsizing or falling overboard increases during rough weather conditions. PFDs are vital for your personal safety, as they can significantly increase your chances of staying afloat in case of an emergency.

While it is also important to check the weather forecast, seek shelter on land, and navigate quickly to safety, securing the safety of everyone on board takes precedence. If individuals are not wearing PFDs, they are at greater risk of drowning, particularly in challenging weather. Hence, ensuring that everyone is suitably equipped with flotation devices sets a foundation for safety before taking any further action to respond to the worsening conditions.