Lava flow boats must stay 980 feet away from entry point
Visitors viewing the lava flow on the Big Island from a vessel will be required to maintain more than 980-foot distance from its entry point in the ocean.
The U.S. Coast Guard announced it is imposing this “temporary safety zone” from noon today (March 28) through 8 a.m. Sept. 28.
The Coast Guard said it was taking the action to ensure public safety because of the volcanic shrapnel and toxic gases emitted by the lava flow and the unstable sea cliffs.
The Coast Guard said U.S. Geological Survey experts recommended 300 meters or 984 feet as the minimum safe distance to avoid hazards from the lava flow.