Lake Erie Fireworks: Boats Banned for Safety Spectacle

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.

2026-13301 — Safety Zone; Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, MI

On July 4, 2026, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off a part of Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City, MI, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks and air show. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission. This temporary safety zone helps protect folks, vessels, and the environment without causing any fees or long-term changes.

2026-13253 — Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Michigan City, IN

On July 4, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone around the fireworks show in Michigan City, Indiana, to keep boats and people safe from flying debris and hot embers. No one can enter this zone between 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect everyone without causing any fees or long delays.

2026-13246 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0112

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting electronic vessel transit data to keep our waters safe, with no changes to the current process. This affects anyone who reports vessel movements and helps the Coast Guard track ships better. They’re asking for your thoughts by August 31, 2026, before asking the government to approve this again—no new costs or extra paperwork are planned.

2026-13136 — Safety Zone; Aerial Drone Displays, Upper Bay, New York, NY

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Upper New York Bay near Ellis and Liberty Islands from June 30 to July 20, 2026, to keep everyone safe during aerial drone shows. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission, helping prevent accidents and protect the environment. This rule affects boaters and event organizers but won’t cost anyone extra.

Previous: 2026-08705 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone

The Coast Guard is tidying up its safety zone rules for annual events in the Detroit area by splitting one big list into two smaller, clearer ones based on location. This makes it easier for everyone—boaters, event organizers, and enforcement officers—to find and follow the rules. No event dates, times, or costs are changing, and the update kicks in on May 5, 2026.

Next: 2026-08714 — Special Local Regulation; Lake Erie, OH

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary no-go zone on Lake Erie from 5 p.m. June 5 to 10 a.m. June 6, 2026, to keep everyone safe during an overnight sailboat race. Only authorized boats can enter this area, so if you’re boating nearby, plan ahead! This helps avoid traffic jams and accidents with about 120 racers and 15 spectator boats on the water.