• Check the weather forecast before going out. Yellow warning light at Sandy Run indicates lightning strikes-GET OFF THE WATER IMMEDIATELY!
• Stay alert to changing weather conditions. Lightning, strong winds  and temperature drops indicate poor weather conditions when paddling.
• Paddle close to shore to lessen the chance of being caught by sudden changes in weather.
• Check the wind direction and tidal flows before you go. Winds can affect canoes and kayaks–especially along the Potomac River.
• If tide and wind are traveling the same direction, water conditions  are often somewhat calm.
• When the wind is traveling against the tidal current, waves will be created.