Coast Guard Enforces Rules for Chincoteague's Wild Pony Swim Spectacle
Published Date: 6/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Assateague, Chincoteague, and Wallops Islands for the 100th Annual Pony Swim event. If you’re not part of the event, you can’t enter or hang out in these waters without special permission during that week. This keeps everyone safe and the ponies’ big swim smooth and splashy!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary safety zone for Pony Swim week
During the week of the 100th Annual Pony Roundup, Swim & Auction, the Coast Guard would set a temporary safety zone around the waters near Assateague, Chincoteague, and Wallops Islands. If you are not a participant, you may not enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain in the regulated area without permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
2026-16807, Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Gary, IN
From August 20 to 23, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on Lake Michigan near Gary, IN, to keep everyone safe during an air show, drone display, and fireworks. Boats and people can’t enter the zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This quick action helps protect folks and the environment without any delays or extra costs.
2026-16805, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
On August 21, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach for the North Avenue Swim & Triathlon Yo (NASTY) Carb Party swim race. Boats can’t enter or stay in this area unless they get special permission. This keeps swimmers safe and helps the event run smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
2026-16832, Anchorages; Bolivar Roads Channel, Galveston, TX
The Coast Guard is proposing to amend the regulation for the Galveston Harbor, Bolivar Roads Channel, Texas Anchorage grounds (the "Bolivar Anchorage") to institute a 48 hour time limit for anchorage area (A) East. Amending this regulation would align the time limit for anchorage area (A) East with the already established 48 hour time limits for Bolivar Anchorage areas (A), (B) and (C). We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
2026-16806, Safety Zone; ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU) Outer Continental Shelf Facility, Green Canyon Block 763, Gulf of America
The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone around the ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU), located in Green Canyon Block 763 on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of America. Establishing a safety zone around the facility will significantly reduce the threat of allisions, collisions, security breaches, oil spills, releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety of life, property, and the environment. This rule prohibits entry of vessels into this safety zone unless specifically authorized Commander, Coast Guard Heartland District or their designated representative.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10937, Regulated Navigation Area; Illinois River, Naplate, IL
The Coast Guard wants to create a special safety zone on the Illinois River near Naplate, IL, to protect people and the environment around a cleanup site. Boats won’t be allowed to anchor or push onto the riverbank there unless they get permission or face an emergency. This change helps keep the river safe and clean, and the Coast Guard is asking for your thoughts before making it official.
Next: 2025-10997, Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding; Correction
The FCC fixed a mistake in a recent notice about when replies to petitions must be filed. This update helps everyone involved know the correct deadline so no one misses out. If you’re following these rule changes, check the new date and act on time to avoid any trouble or delays.