ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Have you picked your spot to watch the total solar eclipse yet? There are lots of options including parks, community centers, wineries or your own backyard. Some are even opting to launch their boats earlier than usual to see the eclipse from out of the water.

What You Need To Know

  • The current water temperature for Lake Ontario is 39 degrees

  • U.S. Coast Guard, Monroe County Sheriff Marine Unit and Border Partrol are preparing for the April 8 eclipse 

  • Pack everything you need for a comfortable and safe eclipse experience 

The Monroe County Sheriff's Marine Unit, the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Patrol have identified some areas that may have boaters out on the water on April 8 to see the total solar eclipse away from the city lights a few miles offshore. 

The Monroe County Sheriff's Marine unit is expecting some charter boats will be out off Hamlin Beach, the Port of Rochester and Irondequoit Bay. With the water temperature around 39 degrees, they are concerned about cold temperatures, exposure and hypothermia.

"We don't know what is going to look like that, but we want to be prepared if people decide to go out there," said Lt. Matt MacKenzie of the MCSO Marine unit. "We don't want to see somebody run into trouble out there on the water that day. It is going to be much colder out on the water, so because of this, we are going to put our boats in the water. We are going to have two patrols out there and another boat in reserve. We want to be prepared."

Prepare, plan and dress appropriately for the elements, and be sure your vessel has all the required boating safety equipment.