Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Boater Safety Practice Exam

If lightning is present while boating, what is your primary responsibility?

1. Secure the boat

2. Get everyone on land

3. Notify the coast guard

4. Anchor the vessel

The correct answer is: Get everyone on land

When lightning is present while boating, the primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all individuals on board. Getting everyone on land is crucial because being on a boat during a lightning storm poses significant risks due to the metal components that can attract lightning. Once on land, individuals can seek shelter and minimize exposure to the dangerous conditions associated with a thunderstorm. Moreover, while securing the boat or anchoring the vessel may seem like reasonable actions, they do not directly address the immediate risk posed by lightning. Notifying the Coast Guard is important for safety and communication, but it is secondary to ensuring that all individuals are safely off the water and away from the threat of lightning strikes. Therefore, prioritizing the safe evacuation of everyone onto land is the most effective response to a lightning situation while boating.