Maine’s Harbormasters are reporting the busiest summer for Maine’s waters in recent memory. Due to in large part the coronavirus pandemic.

“The amount of boating or water-related activity, as well as the boat market, is unprecedented,” said Sgt. Matt Sinclair with the Maine Marine Patrol.

As The Portland Press Herald reports, boats have been coming from as far away as North Carolina, and in a wide range of sizes.

However, the primary concern is not over the water craft themselves, but rather their passengers. As many are taking to the water in order to break social distancing guidelines. Reports of boats “rafting up” and large gatherings on both land and water have begun springing up.

“There definitely have been some parties broken up,” Sinclair said.  “And we spend a lot of time educating about these get-togethers. Guidelines don’t stop at the water’s edge.”