Coast Guard Eyes River Blockade for New Bern's Wacky Raft Races
Published Date: 4/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to keep everyone safe during the annual raft races on the Neuse and Trent Rivers in New Bern, NC by limiting who can be in the race area on certain Saturdays in June. If you’re not part of the race, you’ll need special permission to enter the zone. This rule helps protect racers and spectators without costing anyone extra money, but you have until May 15, 2025, to share your thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual raft-race safety zone near Union Point
The Coast Guard would create a permanent special local regulation (SLR) that covers all navigable waters of the Neuse and Trent Rivers on a predetermined course near Union Point in New Bern, NC. The SLR would be enforced annually on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Saturday in June and the regulated area is defined by the line connecting points at 35°6.250' N, 77°2.067' W; 35°6.183' N, 77°2.083' W; 35°6.167' N, 77°2.217' W; 35°6.100' N, 77°2.233' W; 35°6.083' N, 77°2.017' W; and 35°6.233' N, 77°1.983' W.
Permission required to enter race area
No non-participant vessel or person may enter the designated race area without obtaining permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector North Carolina or a designated representative. The enforcement period for the safety zone would not exceed eight hours and would be timed before, during, and after the raft race.
Coast Guard finds no large small-entity cost
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency requests that any small entity that believes it would be significantly affected submit comments explaining how and to what degree it would be economically affected.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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