Any boater out there knows the feeling: you head out on your watercraft to clear skies and still air, then the moment you round the corner, the wind and waves pick up. So long, calm water.
Most boaters rely on forecasts from government departments such as Environment and Climate Change Canada. But is there a way to get real-time weather updates for a lake? Enter, smart buoys.
Smart buoys, similar to the marine buoys used by government and industry, pull in data regarding wave height, air and water temperature, and wind speed. But smart buoys can transmit this information back to the operator, and by extension, the public, faster.
“Real-time, sight-specific data”
Just south of Thunder Bay, Ont., a national park in Wisconsin has used these buoys off and on for the past four years. As a part of the Wave Watch project, five pumpkin-sized buoys are placed in strategic locations around the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, a region with dynamic lake conditions.
“This is real-time, sight-specific data,” says Jeff Rennicke, the executive director of Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the foundation that spearheads the program. “It adds a whole dimension to knowing what’s going on on the lake.”
Every 30 minutes, the solar powered buoys transmit updates on the water conditions via satellite to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the program’s partner. Boaters can get access to this information by scanning a QR code sticker that is available in local marinas and on many boat rentals in the park. They can also sign up online to receive their own free sticker.
The Apostle Islands is a group of 21 islands known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and caves. But Rennicke says the combination of wind funneling through the islands and the unpredictability of Lake Superior creates the “recipe for a perfect storm” for boaters.
“Wave Watch doesn’t stop anyone from going out there, but it gives people the opportunity to make choices based on current conditions,” he says, noting that many visitors are unaware that the water can be tricky to navigate.
The buoys, placed in the water in May, will stay there until the lake freezes over.
Currently, the foundation has a two year funding commitment with the university. Rennicke says they’re considering adding more buoys next year that could be placed in locations suggested by boaters.
Can my lake association purchase smart buoys?
These particular buoys—”spotter” buoys made by a company called SOFAR—start at nearly $7,000 each.
The company says that the buoys have been used by everyone from “scientists to surfers,” making them an option for the average cottager. A buoy transmits the data it collects using a satellite and/or cellular connection, and can be accessed using a regular web browser or through the program’s specialized software.
They might not be worth the investment if you live on a small lake, but could be something to consider if your property is on a large body of water.
Another thing to keep in mind: Transport Canada is responsible for placing buoys in all waterways. If you’re setting out your own buoy, ensure you follow all regulations set out by the government, including marking the buoy with the letters “PRIV” (to indicate that it’s a private marker).
As the technology continues to evolve, Rennicke says prices are slowly dropping and more devices are appearing on the market. “Lake associations and communities could begin looking into these systems on a small scale,” he suggests.
For now? Keep up to date on the good ol’ marine forecast.
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