Coast Guard Cops Waters for Maryland Boat Race Thrills
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on Bush River and Otter Point Creek near Perryman and Edgewood, MD, for a high-speed power boat race on May 16-17, 2026. During race hours, only authorized boats can enter the area to keep everyone safe. This means boaters should plan ahead to avoid delays but won’t face any fees or fines if they follow the rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Two‑Day Safety Zone Closing Waters
From 9:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026 through 7:00 p.m. on May 17, 2026, all navigable waters of the Bush River and Otter Point Creek between Perryman and Edgewood, MD are inside a temporary regulated area. During enforcement hours (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on each day) non-participant boats may not enter, transit, anchor in, or remain in the area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Spectator Zone Inside Regulated Area
The rule designates a spectator area as all waters immediately surrounding the buffer zone up to 500 feet. Because the spectator area is inside the regulated area, spectator vessels are subject to the same rule that non-participants may not be in the regulated area during enforcement hours unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Registered Racers Authorized to Operate
Vessels registered with the event sponsor as participants are authorized to operate in the race area. The event application describes about 50 racing boats (composite and wood hull inboard hydroplanes) 12 to 28 feet long, with the applicant proposing on-course race activity from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on May 16 and May 17, 2026.
How to Request Authorization
If you need permission to enter the regulated area, contact the Captain of the Port or their designated representative on VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or channel 22A (157.1 MHz). Those in the regulated area must comply with lawful orders or directions from the Captain of the Port or their designated representative.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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