We are now in the season for sudden storms, many causing floods and most with dangerous lightning, thunder and high winds.

If you are on the water, check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio for latest warnings and forecasts.

Watch for signs of approaching storms: dark, threatening clouds that may foretell a squall or thunderstorm, a steady increase in wind or sea lightning flashes, an increase in wind opposite in direction to a strong tidal current may lead to steep waves capable of overturning your boat.

If you get caught on the water during a storm, follow the following procedure: Put on your personal flotation device and prepare for rough seas. Stay below deck if possible. Keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the boat's protection system. Don't touch more than one grounded object at the same time or you may become a shortcut for electrical surges passing through the protection system.

Check your first aid kit. Do you need to replace depleted items? Check the expiration date on dated items. If outdated, replace these articles. Are you missing items you may need? The Merry Mariners Web site has information on assembling a first aid kit. Just go to their Web site at http://merrymariners.org, click on useful links then click on Nautical First Aid.

You must carry one wearable United States Coat Guard approved serviceable PFD of the proper size and type for each boat occupant. No tears, rips, broken straps or snaps. Remember all PFDs must be ready at hand and not enclosed in plastic bags or locked compartments.

For those of you towing your boat, it is easier when backing your boat onto the ramp to keep your boat in full view of your rear view mirror. This is only possible if you align the boat and vehicle so you keep the boat in your right side mirror. This gives you a view of the boat all the way straight back. When in line to launch, have a person available to hold the bowline and assist in boat handling at the pier.

Remove the down straps, allowing the boat to roll or float off the trailer. If you are on a steep incline do not remove the front strap or cable until the boat and trailer are in the water or you may end up with the boat on the ramp. This is especially important for trailers with drive-on rollers. Make sure you have lines attached to the boat and handlers to control the boat once it is free of the trailer. If not, you may have a boat floating out of your reach.

For those sailing by themselves, tie a line to the trailer. This keeps the boat in tow until you can get out of your tow vehicle and back to your boat. Practice good boat launch etiquette. Ramp rage occurs in minutes if you are needlessly holding up another boat from using the ramp. Other items needed before leaving the dock include a PFD of the proper size for everyone on board. Children under 6 must wear a PFD whenever the boat is under way.

Check your radio, horn and other electrical equipment to see if they are properly working before leaving the dock. Make certain your registration is up to date and that the current year sticker is displayed. Always carry your registration card on board with you. Upon departure from the boat launch, maintain slow, no-wake speed for a safe and legal distance from the boat launch.

To make sure your boat is in compliance with state and federal regulations, get a vessel safety check. This is a courtesy examination of your boat to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment. The Cape Coral Power Squadron or the Coast Guard Auxiliary have trained specialists that will make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater. No citations will be given.

Should you not pass the inspection, there will be a follow up inspection if needed. After corrections are made, a certificate and decal will be issued.

Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during boat operation. Research has proven that four hours exposure to sun, glare, wind and vibration produces boater fatigue, which slows reaction time almost as much as being legally intoxicated. Adding alcohol could be fatal.

— Wayne and Joan Church are Cape Coral Power Squadron members