What should you do about weather changes while out on the water?

• A. Monitor forecasts, watch for changes, and seek shelter or return to shore if conditions worsen.
• B. Weather changes are not important on small boats.
• C. Only check weather when storms are forecast.
• D. Course corrections can be made without considering weather.

Answer: (A)

Weather on the water can change quickly, so staying aware and ready to act is essential. Before you go, check the forecast, and once afloat keep watching the skies, wind, waves, and visibility. Signs that conditions are deteriorating include darkening clouds, increasing wind, bigger waves, rain, or lightning. If weather begins to worsen, the safest move is to seek shelter or return to shore rather than pressing on. On small boats, you have less margin for error, so a quick, proactive response is especially important. Have a plan: know where you can shelter, maintain or get updated weather information, wear life jackets, and adjust your heading or speed to move toward safety when needed. Ignoring changes or assuming they won’t affect you can lead to dangerous situations. The other options don’t fit because weather can shift at any time, it matters for all boats, and decisions should be guided by the current conditions, not by a forecast alone.