Great Lakes Fireworks Shows Get Annual Boat-Free Zones
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is stepping up to keep everyone safe during big annual fireworks events in the Eastern Great Lakes area this July 3rd. They’ll enforce special safety zones on the water, meaning boats can’t enter these areas without permission during the shows. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays—no extra fees, just smooth and safe celebrations!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Erie July 3rd Water Safety Zone
If you plan to boat near Dobbins Landing in Erie, PA, a safety zone within a 280-foot radius of the launch site (42°08'17.13" N, 080°05'30.17" W) will be enforced from 9:15 p.m. through 10:45 p.m. on July 3, 2026. No vessel may enter without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (request via VHF-FM channel 16), and vessels allowed in the zone must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course.
Seneca Lake Romulus Fireworks Zone
On July 3, 2026 from 9:15 p.m. through 10:45 p.m., a safety zone on Seneca Lake in Romulus, NY will be enforced within a 420-foot radius of 42°43'39.28" N, 076°54'59.47" W. Boats may not enter without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (request via VHF-FM channel 16), and any vessels granted permission must operate at minimum speed to maintain a safe course.
Olcott Lake Ontario Fireworks Restriction
A safety zone on Lake Ontario in Olcott, NY within a 1,120-foot radius of 43°20'23.6" N, 078°43'09.5" W will be enforced from 9:30 p.m. through 10:45 p.m. on July 3, 2026. Vessels cannot enter the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (request via VHF-FM channel 16), and permitted vessels must travel at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course.
Sodus Point July 3rd Safety Zone
On July 3, 2026 from 9:45 p.m. through 10:45 p.m., a safety zone on Sodus Bay in Sodus Point, NY will be enforced within a 1,120-foot radius of 43°16'33" N, 076°58'27" W. No person or vessel may enter without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (request via VHF-FM channel 16), and vessels allowed in must operate at minimum speed to maintain a safe course.
Hamburg Beach Blast Water Closure
A safety zone on Lake Erie in Hamburg, NY within a 280-foot radius of 42°45'59.21" N, 078°52'41.51" W will be enforced from 9:15 p.m. through 10:45 p.m. on July 26, 2026. Entry is prohibited without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (request via VHF-FM channel 16), and permitted vessels must maintain the minimum speed necessary to keep a safe course.
Niagara Hydroplane Race Safety Zone
During Thunder on the Niagara hydroplane races, a safety zone on the Niagara River near the North Grand Island Bridge (coordinates listed in the notice) will be enforced from 9:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. on August 1 and August 2, 2026. Vessels may not enter, transit, or anchor in the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (request via VHF-FM channel 16), and permitted vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course.
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