If you are on the water and cannot get off to a safer location, avoid close contact with other paddlers. Stay at least 15-20 feet apart and do not paddle near shore.
Once a thunderstorm has passed, keep a high level of safety awareness for thirty minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
If you are with someone who is struck by lightning, prompt first aid could save his or her life. Eighty percent of lighting strike victims survive the shock. If the person’s breathing or heart have stopped, start CPR immediately and send someone to get help. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, because there may be internal injuries present that are not apparent during a field examination.
Paddling a kayak is an activity with associated inherent risks.
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm
http://www.pascocountyfl.net/oem/thunders.asp
http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/CB/lightning.html
http://www.sportfishingmag.com/artic...destinationID=