The U.S. Coast Guard is making it easier for the public to become aware of what’s happening in the waters of Lake Erie.
The Coast Guard has implemented a new system called “Aqua Alerts,” which they call the future of emergency response on our waters.
These are alerts that will be sent out directly to the public providing information on any local water rescues happening in both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Earlier in 2025, the alert system was launched in Long Island, New York.
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Where can I find Aqua Alerts?
Similar to when you receive a sudden and loud Amber Alert, Aqua Alerts will be sent straight to your phone through participating Wireless Emergency Alert systems to notify you about local search and rescue missions.
There is no app needed in order to receive these alerts. The United States Coast Guard says that you will receive the alerts automatically unless you have disabled emergency alerts in your phone settings.
The alerts will contain details about the search and rescue, including a description of the vessel or missing persons and the last known location.
When will Aqua Alerts be available?
Although the alerts have not been made available to the public yet and no launch date has been set, the U.S. Coast Guard is showing a mock-up, or trial run, of the alert on social media.
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The example provided by the Coast Guard shows “emergency alert” at the top of the post with information pertaining to a search and rescue case. The information includes the type of watercraft that is involved in the search and contact information for the public to call with details.
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: What to know about the U.S. Coast Guard’s Aqua Alerts