BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – In addition to the thousands of folks viewing Burlington’s fireworks display Wednesday night, many boaters are getting in place for front-row seats to the big show. Burlington officials are warning mariners to be careful in the windy conditions.
It’s not a bad day to fly your flag or to go for a sail, but boaters might want to check the conditions, according to city officials.
“It’s too windy to go out and about. Way too wind,” said Kevin and Sheryl Davis.
David Mathis says taking a boat out at night with crowds of people on the lake doesn’t sound like a fun way to spend his Independence Day celebration. “Based on previous experience, I’d say a lot of the drivers are in over their head trying to navigate in a real crowded waterway, and it’s just safer here,” he said.
Most boaters we spoke with at the Community Boathouse Marina say they’ll trade what some call the best view of the fireworks outside the breakwater for a relaxing evening of hot dogs, champagne, and safe harbor.
But for those wading into the waters, Burlington Harbormaster Erin Moreau has a warning. “We want to exercise caution here today because we do have a lot of wind down here at the waterfront,” he said. “It can be a little bit tougher to navigate waters when we have a higher wind like this, so exercise caution, go slow, make sure you have a really good anchor line if you are going to be throwing over the anchor.”
If you still decide to go out, Moreau says to make sure all your safety equipment including operating running lights and floatation devices for everyone. Also, give extra space than normal between your neighboring boats.
Moreau is still expecting numbers in the hundreds. “We could see a few less boats out there if folks are unsure about the wind, and we respect that,” he said.
For those on shore, Ken Davis says anywhere near the waterfront — especially the docks — is a great place to view. “It’s like they were coming right down on the dock — it’s a great place right here, it’s unreal,” he said.
The National Weather Service says a Lake Wind Advisory remains in effect for south winds in the 25 to 35-knot range with waves in the 1-3 foot range.