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They seem to come from nowhere — ominous, gray clouds that fill up a blue Florida sky in what seems like minutes.

With the thick clouds comes heavy rain, lightning strikes and even the occasional water spout, all of which can be perilous for boaters during the stormy summer season.

That is why authorities suggest that boaters who plan to take to the water this summer use common sense on their vessels and prepare themselves for the worst — just in case.

Though most boaters abide by the law, every year Southwest Florida authorities encounter boaters who inadvertently put themselves in precarious situations because they just don’t seem to know any better.

“People just put themselves in the wrong place and the wrong time in the wrong weather,” said Lt. David Johnson of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Group.

The first thing any boater should do when heading out on the water is check the weather forecast.

During the summer, afternoon thunderstorms come in predominantly from the east, said Johnson, who recommends that boaters familiarize themselves with Florida weather patterns.

“Plan your boating days for the morning and to be back by mid-day,” Johnson said. “You’ll generally avoid severe weather if you do that, and you’ll also avoid the hottest time of the day.”

Before heading out, Johnson said boaters should tell someone where they are going and when they intend to return. They should also check their boat’s engine and resolve any known problems.

In Florida, all vessels are required to have an approved personal flotation device for each person on board, and the flotation devices must be easy to access, in good condition and be the appropriate size, according to Florida boating law.

Boats 16 feet or longer also are required to have a throwable flotation device.

Boats with built-in fuel tanks are required to have a fire extinguisher on board.

Also, boats under 16 feet are required to have three visual distress signals approved for nighttime, and boats 16 feet or longer are required to have three nighttime and three daytime signals. All boats are required to have a sound-producing device, such as a referee’s whistle.

“If you get caught without those, you’re not only a bad boater, but you’re probably going to get a ticket,” said Rick Clouston, dock master for the Charter Club on Naples Bay.

Authorities also recommend that boaters purchase a marine radio, and pack extra food, water, clothes and a cell phone.

“There’s been many times we’ve been called out when the boat ran aground and we’re not able to get to them for a couple of hours,” said Petty Officer Matt Smith, of the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Fort Myers Beach. “They’re kind of stuck out there on their own.”

But in Florida, even the best prepared boater can run into some nasty weather.

“The weather is so unpredictable down here, especially during the rainy season,” Smith said. “It can change in a matter of minutes.”

If a storm is approaching, Johnson said boaters should get back to shore as quickly as possible. Depending on the conditions, boaters may have to move perpendicular to the waves.

“You’re out in the summer, you stayed too late and you see those thunderstorms starting to come off shore. If you look at those cells as they’re coming from east to west, there are seams you can exploit,” Johnson said. “Go where it appears the weather is better.”

In a worst-case scenario, if the boat begins to sink, Smith said passengers need to put on their life jackets and call authorities.

“The most important piece of information they can pass, when they talk to 911, is their position; where they’re located,” Smith said.

Most newer boats, even if they go down, float at the surface, Johnson said. It is rarely a good idea to try to swim to shore.

“They need to stay with the boat, even if its sunk at the surface,” Johnson said. “Their chance of being rescued with the boat are twice as likely than if they try to swim to shore.”