Coast Guard Proposes Safety Rules for High-Speed Boat Races in Virginia
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to add special safety rules for three yearly high-speed boat races on the York, East, and Elizabeth Rivers in Virginia. These new rules aim to keep everyone safe during these exciting events and will affect boaters and event organizers in the area. If you have thoughts, send them in by May 20, 2026—no fees or costs are changing, just safer waters!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Permanent Safety Zones for Three Races
The Coast Guard proposes to add permanent Special Local Regulations (SLRs) for three annual high-speed boat events in Virginia: East River Fest (Williams Wharf, Mathews), Power Boats at the Park (Elizabeth River Western Branch, Portsmouth), and Yorktown Battle of the Boats (York River, Yorktown). These SLRs create regulated areas around the race sites to keep people safe during the events.
Exact 2026 Dates and Times Listed
The proposal lists specific 2026 enforcement dates and times: East River Fest — June 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Power Boats at the Park — August 15-16, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Yorktown Battle of the Boats — June 6-7, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The events are described as recurring annually on the referenced weekend patterns.
Permission Required to Enter Regulated Areas
During each SLR, no vessel or person may enter the regulated area unless they obtain permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. Vessels may request permission from the COTP to enter a regulated area.
How the Coast Guard Will Notify You
If event dates or enforcement change, the Captain of the Port will publish a Notification of Enforcement in the Federal Register and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF FM marine channel 16. The Coast Guard will also issue Broadcast Notices to help mariners adjust transit plans.
Coast Guard: No Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting vessel traffic can transit around the regulated areas, the areas are small, and enforcement lasts only a few hours. Small entities that disagree may submit comments explaining impacts.
No New Fees or Costs Proposed
The proposal states explicitly that no fees or costs are changing as part of this rulemaking; the change is limited to safety measures and regulated areas for the events.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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