Richmond's James River Off-Limits During Evening Fireworks Spectacle
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to create a temporary safety zone on the James River in Richmond, VA, on June 13, 2026, from 9 to 10 p.m. This zone will keep boats and people at least 400 feet away from a fireworks show to keep everyone safe. If you’re planning to be on the river then, you’ll need special permission or stay clear—no fees, just safety first!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
One-hour safety zone on James River
On June 13, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., a temporary safety zone will cover a portion of the James River in Richmond, VA. No person or vessel may enter the waters inside the listed coordinates (based on WGS 84) or within 400 feet of the fireworks display unless authorized by the Captain of the Port.
How to get permission to enter
If you need to be inside the safety zone during the enforcement period, you must get permission from the Captain of the Port or their designated representative. To request permission, contact them on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 877-722-5727; those in the zone must follow all lawful orders from the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard finds little small-business impact
The Coast Guard certifies this one-hour safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting the area is small, vessel traffic can transit around it, enforcement is during normally low-traffic hours, and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners will be issued. Small entities can also request permission to enter the regulated area from the Captain of the Port.
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
2026-13137 — 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.
2026-13446 — Safety Zone; Hawks Channel, Marathon, FL
On July 4, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone in Hawks Channel near Marathon, FL, to keep people and boats safe during a fireworks show at Sombrero Beach. No one can enter this zone without special permission, helping protect everyone and the environment. This quick action means boaters should plan ahead to avoid the area during that hour.
2026-13383 — Safety Zone; Western Lake Erie, Kelleys Island, OH
On July 4, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Kelleys Island, OH, to keep boats and people safe during a fireworks show. No one can enter the 375-yard zone near 1230 W Lakeshore Drive unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect everyone and the environment without any fees or delays.
2026-13483 — Safety Zone; San Pedro Bay, Los Angeles, CA
On July 4, 2026, from 9 to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the fireworks show at San Pedro Bay, Los Angeles. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless the Captain of the Port says it’s okay. This keeps everyone safe and protects the environment during the celebration.
2026-13438 — Safety Zone; Bayfront Park 4th of July Fireworks Display, Intercoastal Waterway, Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL
On July 4, 2026, from 11:10 p.m. to 12:10 a.m., the Coast Guard will set up a safety zone around two fireworks barges in Biscayne Bay, Miami. Boats and people can’t enter this 250-yard zone unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe from fireworks hazards. This temporary rule affects boaters and helps protect the environment during the big 4th of July celebration.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09326 — Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 18 to June 8, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage how kiwifruit is grown and sold. Only growers who produced fresh-market kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This vote decides if the marketing order continues, which affects how the industry works and could impact growers’ costs and sales.
Next: 2026-09381 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
If you fly or work with certain Airbus Canada planes (formerly Bombardier C Series), this new rule means you’ll keep cleaning and checking the slat tracks to stop damage and corrosion. Plus, if those tracks were fixed before with the wrong test, you’ll need a special re-inspection to catch hidden cracks. The FAA wants comments by June 26, 2026, so get ready to act and keep those planes safe!