If you are in a canoe, is it better to get off the water or stay on the water when there's lightning?

Question

If you should get off the water, where is the best place to go? What if you can't get off the water?

Answer 1

Stay off the water! Lightning is attracted to water so watch out before you go.

Answer 2

Lightning is NOT attracted to the water.  It is attracted to the highest conducting thing in the area.  On a lake, that is you.

Anywhere on shore is safer than on the water.

Fortunately, you should be able to see a lightning storm from a distance where you can head for shore before it hits you.  Even then, the lighting strikes are erratic enough to keep moving so that the time at risk is less.

If you cannot get in a building, try to find an area where you are not near the tallest objects.  If there are no objects around (not really likely) lie down in the lowest spot you can find.

I have been out with a group of kayakers when there was a chance that a storm would move through our area.  We stayed near enough that we could get to our base beach if it moved in our direction.

Answer 3

Get off the water as soon as possible!

If there is lightning, you don't want to be anywhere near water!

Once off the water, stay in open spaces or better if you can find a building or a car to stay in while the storm passes.

If you can't get off the water, I'd put the paddle down and just sit on the bottom of the canoe, until safe to carry on.

Check the weather forecast before you go!