On April 8th, the second total-solar eclipse in seven years in North America will take place and many viewers are excited to watch the natural phenomena from the water. As unique a viewing place as your boat is, staying safe will be a top priority.
Boaters in Buffalo, New York, and Houlton, Maine, will be in two prime locations for eclipse viewing, as those locations fall directly in the “path of totality.” This is where viewers can experience total darkness as the umbra, the darkest part of the moon’s shadow, passes overhead.
Boaters that are determined to be on the water for the event should plan for crowds, winter water hazards, as well as a sharp temperature drop when the moon passes in front of the sun.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office in New York emphasizes that the eclipse may draw crowds of boaters, and that patience and awareness is paramount in avoiding accidents. For starters, if you’re planning to watch the eclipse from your boat, bring lifejackets for every person on board and pack layers.
“This time of year the water is going to have floating logs. Depending on where the water level is, knowing the waterway and knowing where you’re going to go is going to be important as well,” said sergeant Edward Krypel of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
