BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — With hundreds of thousands of people expected to flock to Western New York for the April 8 solar eclipse, the U.S. Coast Guard is prepared for those planning to watch on the water.
“This early in the season, we want to emphasize that boating safety is so important. We the Coast Guard will have rescue boats, helicopters even coming in throughout the area ready to respond if need be. But there are a few steps boaters can take first to make sure that accidents don’t happen,” Lieutenant Will Kelly told News 4.
Gas, life jackets, accounting for everyone on board, and a marine radio (channel 16 to contact the U.S Coast Guard) are all necessities on the water, added Lt. Kelly.
Despite temperatures expected in the 50s for the day of the eclipse, the Coast Guard said that water temps in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are still around 40 degrees.
The Coast Guard has increased staffing in preparation for any emergencies on the water for the eclipse.
“Across our entire area of responsibility, which is Lake Ontario and most of Lake Erie, we’ll have staff ready to respond to whatever the need is with the increased presence for the eclipse.”