When bad weather occurs while boating on a lake, what should you do first?

In situations where bad weather suddenly occurs while boating on a lake, ensuring that all occupants are wearing USCG-approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) is the most critical initial action to take. This measure significantly enhances safety for everyone on board, as PFDs are designed to keep individuals afloat in the water, especially in challenging conditions such as rough waves or strong winds that can lead to capsizing or falls overboard.

Prioritizing life jackets allows you to then focus on navigating the situation without the added risk of personal safety. Having everyone secured with PFDs can provide peace of mind while you assess your next steps, whether that’s looking for shelters, returning to shore, or stabilizing the boat.

In contrast, some of the other choices, while also reasonable considerations, may not provide immediate safety. For example, checking for nearby shelters or sending someone to shore for help may take time during a rapidly changing situation and may expose individuals to greater danger. Turning the boat around immediately can also be risky without first ensuring that all aboard are properly equipped for potential emergencies. Keeping safety as the priority by ensuring proper flotation equipment is vital in such critical situations.