Severe Weather situation on the water

[Mosnowman]

Missouri weather changes rapidly as well, and after a couple close calls I have become very astute at recognizing developing storms! I now always err on the side of caution.

Several factors to consider....main one being children on board. If you are caught it is extremely important that absolutely everyone get a life jacket on..I mean everybody! The time I was caught in a very large storm with small children on board I was not comfortable riding it out on the boat. I had everyone on the floor of the boat and ran for the closest dock I could see. Had one adult jump onto dock and got the three kids off first. Then had the moms off to grab kids and run for shelter...unfortunately only place was into the woods. My wife and I then pulled away from the dock due to large waves crashing and ran as far back into a cove as I could. I decided to leave engine idling in case I needed to beach the boat (destroy it) into the very rocky shore as a last ditch effort. Lightening everywhere...scary as hell! Bottom line is there seems to be no real direvtion on proper protocol on this subject. It is all based on the "Captain" of the boat's judgement call. My advice...watch closely...if uncertain at least get close to a dock or area you can abandon the boat if need be. Always think of the weakest swimmer on the boat and where they would be the safest!