Coast Guard Updates Milwaukee River Race Safety Rules
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to update rules for boat races on the Milwaukee River to keep everyone safe and the water clean. They’re removing old rules for a swim event and moving the big Milwaukee River Challenge race from September to early October. If you’re involved in boating or local events, these changes could affect your plans starting next year, and you have until January 16, 2026, to share your thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Milwaukee River Challenge date moved
The Coast Guard proposes changing the Milwaukee River Challenge date from "1 day; the third Saturday of September" to "1 day; on or around early October." If you run or attend this race in Milwaukee, WI, the event timing and any plans tied to the old September date could shift to early October each year.
Restricted access during regulated event area
During the regulated event on the Milwaukee River, no vessel or person may enter the regulated area without permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or their designated representative. If you boat in Milwaukee, WI, you may be stopped or have to get authorization to transit the event area on event day.
Removal of outdated swim event rule
The Coast Guard proposes deleting the Special Local Regulation entry for the Milwaukee Open Water Swim because that event no longer occurs. If you were previously restricted by that rule in Milwaukee, WI, the regulation text for that swim would be removed.
Coast Guard expects minimal small-entity impact
The Coast Guard certifies this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. They say the regulated area would only be impacted for less than 8 hours, the enforcement time is when vessel traffic is normally low, the Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF channel 16, and vessels may request permission to enter.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10262 — Safety Zones; Recurring Safety Zones in Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes Zone
The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones on the water in the Northern Great Lakes during special events like fireworks and airshows. Boaters need to stay out of these zones unless they get permission, especially on specific dates from June to September 2026. These rules keep everyone safe and won’t cost you extra, but you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid delays.
2026-10261 — Safety Zone; Cheboygan River, Cheboygan, MI
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Cheboygan River in Michigan from May 18 to May 31, 2026, to protect people and boats while repairs happen on flood-damaged dam gates and cables. No one can enter this area without special permission, keeping everyone safe and the environment protected. This quick action means boaters need to plan ahead and avoid the zone during these dates.
2026-10265 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes Zone
The Coast Guard is stepping up to keep everyone safe during big annual fireworks events in the Eastern Great Lakes area this July 3rd. They’ll enforce special safety zones on the water, meaning boats can’t enter these areas without permission during the shows. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays—no extra fees, just smooth and safe celebrations!
2026-10198 — Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0074
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info about fees for inspecting commercial ships, both U.S. and foreign, without making any changes. If you’re involved with these inspections, this means the current rules and fees stay the same. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or paperwork increase coming your way.
2026-10158 — Special Local Regulation; Battle of the Boats; York River, Yorktown, VA
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the York River near Yorktown, VA, for the high-speed "Battle of the Boats" race and docking contest on June 6-7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. During this time, only authorized boats and people can enter the race area to keep everyone safe. If you’re planning to be on the water, expect some restrictions but no fees or costs are involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23044 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
The government is setting new fishing limits for groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska for 2026 and 2027 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules affect fishermen and seafood businesses by controlling how much fish they can catch, with final rules expected in March 2026. If you have thoughts, you need to share them by January 5, 2026, so your voice counts!
Next: 2025-23090 — Amendment of Restricted Area R-5201; Fort Drum, NY
The FAA wants to update the rules for Restricted Area R-5201 at Fort Drum, NY, making it a continuous restricted zone all year round instead of having different active times. This change matches how the area is actually used and won’t add any new restricted space. Pilots and anyone flying nearby should note this update and can share their thoughts by February 2, 2026.