Boating Safety Tips for the Solar Eclipse
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA (March 25, 2024) – As the solar eclipse approaches on April 8, 2024, boaters who may enjoy the eclipse from the water are reminded of key safe boating tips.
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Always wear a life jacket. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to ensure life jackets are serviceable, properly sized, correctly fastened, and suitable for your activity. Where the cause of death was known, 75 percent of fatal boating incident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
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File a float plan! A float plan is telling someone where you are going and when you plan to return. A float plan should be given to a friend or family member and includes a description of your boat, what is on board and a description of the safety equipment you are carrying. If you change plans mid-voyage, let someone know!
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Always take a marine radio. A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery.
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Wear approved solar eclipse glasses. Looking at the sun without approved eclipse glasses can cause eye damage and impair your ability to safely operate your vessel after the eclipse.
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Use navigation lights in low light conditions. Navigation lights will make you more visible to other boaters and promote a safer boating environment during the eclipse.
For more information, please visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com or www.cgaux.org
The Coast Guard Auxiliary promotes Recreational Boating Safety, provides trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance the safety and security of our waterways, and supports Coast Guard operational, administrative, and logistical requirements.
