At Kingston Kayak Club, the safety of our paddlers is always our top priority. As exhilarating as paddling can be in all weathers, there are times when we must take decisive action to protect everyone involved — and one of the most serious weather risks we face is a thunderstorm.
Why Thunderstorms Are Dangerous for Paddlers
Water and lightning are a deadly combination. Here’s why:
- Water conducts electricity – If lightning strikes the water, the electrical energy can travel across the surface and through the water, potentially harming anyone in or on it.
- Paddlers are often the highest point – When out on a river, lake, or pool, a person sitting in a kayak or canoe can become the highest point in the area, increasing the chance of being struck.
- Metal and carbon-fibre paddles are conductive – The equipment we use can further increase the risk of conducting electricity.
- Fast-changing conditions – Thunderstorms can develop and intensify quickly. What starts as a distant rumble can rapidly become a serious hazard.
Our Safety Policy
As a club, we follow a strict safety-first policy:
- If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, all paddlers are brought off the water immediately.
- Sessions are suspended or cancelled if a storm is within a dangerous range or moving towards us.
- We do not resume paddling until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning.
This is based on the “30/30 Rule” widely used in outdoor sports — if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, the storm is close enough to pose a threat.
We Know It’s Disappointing
We understand that cutting a session short — especially when you’ve been looking forward to it — can be frustrating. But when it comes to storms, the risks are simply too high. No paddling session is worth a life-changing injury or worse.
What You Can Do
- Always check the forecast before heading out.
- Dress for the conditions, but be prepared to leave the water if the weather changes.
- If a session is paused or cancelled, trust that it’s done for your safety, and we’ll always aim to resume or rebook where possible.
Thank you for understanding and helping us keep everyone safe on the water.