By Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Lightning
storms are a dramatic but common aspect of summer weather in the
Rocky Mountains. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds
recreationists to protect themselves during storms and to
remember that lightning kills hundreds of people annually, in
addition to starting forest fires. "Recreationists, especially
those who plan to be on the water, need to recognize lightning
and thunder as a serious physical threat," said Liz Lodman, FWP
boating safety coordinator. "Outdoor enthusiasts can plan to
prevent the physical threat of lightning just as they plan ahead
to avoid attracting bears to a camp site or to prevent
hypothermia." Boating is particularly dangerous because a person
doesn't even need to be in contact with the components of the
boat to be struck. "A side flash can occur where the electrical
charge jumps from one component of the boat to another, seeking
a better path to ground," Lodman said. A human body is often
that better path for an electrical