Coast Guard Bans Boats for St. Thomas Regatta Fun
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Rule
Summary
From April 2 to 5, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off parts of St. Thomas’ bays during the St. Thomas International Regatta to keep everyone safe on the water. Boats and people can’t enter these areas unless they get special permission from the Captain of the Port San Juan. This means some boaters will need to plan ahead and follow new rules for those four days.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
St. Thomas Bays Closed During Regatta
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2026, parts of Jersey Bay, St. James Bay, Great Bay, and Little St. James in St. Thomas, USVI, will be a regulated zone. Vessels and people may not enter those areas during those times unless the Captain of the Port San Juan specifically authorizes entry, so boaters must plan around this four-day restriction.
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.
2026-14883, Special Local Regulation; Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor, OH
On August 2, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a special safety zone on Lake Erie near Fairport Harbor for the Lake Metroparks Pirate Triathlon. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission, keeping the 350 athletes safe during the swim and paddle race. This temporary rule helps avoid accidents and keeps the event running smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
2026-14894, Safety Zone; Lake Erie, Avon Lake, OH
On August 1, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone on Lake Erie near Avon Lake, OH, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect folks, boats, and the environment without any delays or extra costs.
2026-14895, Safety Zone; Lake St. Clair; New Baltimore, MI
The Coast Guard is setting up a new safety zone on Lake St. Clair near New Baltimore, Michigan to keep everyone safe during special events. This means boats will have to stay out of certain areas for a while, but no fees or big costs are involved. If you’re boating there, watch for the new rules starting soon!
2026-14888, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
On August 8, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach for the Swim Across America race. Boats can’t enter, pass through, or anchor 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01655, Oil and Gas Resources
Starting February 27, 2026, the USDA’s Forest Service is updating the rules for oil and gas activities on National Forest lands. These changes affect companies leasing land for drilling by making the process clearer, improving how operations are monitored, and applying to both current and future leases. The updates aim to modernize and speed up approvals while keeping an eye on compliance, helping everyone work smarter and safer.
Next: 2026-01688, Annual Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustment
The Department of Health and Human Services is raising its civil penalty amounts to keep up with inflation, making sure fines stay fair and effective. These new penalty amounts apply to violations from November 2, 2015, onward and take effect as soon as this rule is published. If you’re involved in health-related regulations, watch out—penalties might be a bit higher now!