Coast Guard Tweaks Fireworks No-Go Zones Again
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is updating safety zones for fireworks shows in Virginia’s waterways to keep everyone safe during these annual events. They’re adding three new zones and tweaking one existing zone, all effective May 27, 2026. If you boat or live near the James, Appomattox, Hampton, East, or Elizabeth Rivers, these changes might affect you, but no new fees are involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety Zone at James–Appomattox Confluence
If you boat or live near the confluence of the James River and the Appomattox River in Hopewell, VA, a safety zone will be enforced on the fourth or fifth Saturday in June each year. The zone covers all navigable waters within 250 yards of the fireworks barge at position 37°18'52" N, 077°17'12.5" W; in 2026 it will be enforced June 27, 2026 from 9:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Safety Zone on the Hampton River
If you boat or live on the Hampton River in Hampton, VA, a safety zone will cover all navigable waters within a 250-foot radius of a fireworks barge and adjacent launch areas. The zone applies on July 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th each year; beginning July 4, 2026 it will be enforced from 9:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Safety Zone on the East River (Mathews)
If you boat or live on the East River in Mathews, VA, a safety zone will cover all navigable waters within an 800-foot radius of position 37°24'02" N, 076°20'49" W. The zone applies on July 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th each year; beginning July 5, 2026 it will be enforced from 9:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Safety Zone at Town Point Reach (Elizabeth River)
If you boat or live near Town Point Reach on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, VA, a safety zone will cover all waters within a 500-yard radius of the fireworks barge at approximately 36°50'41" N, 076°17'47" W. The zone will be enforced on one Saturday in June (or June 19th) and on July 4th each year, beginning July 4, 2026, generally from 9:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Access Rules, Notices, and Small-Entity Impact
No vessel or person may enter these safety zones without permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP’s designated representative; vessels can request permission to enter. The Coast Guard will notify the public of date/time changes via a Broadcast Notice to Mariners; the rule is effective May 27, 2026, imposes no new fees, and the Coast Guard certified it will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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.
2026-13966 — Safety Zone; St. Clair River, Port Huron, MI
On July 16, 2026, from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Desmond Landing on the St. Clair River in Port Huron, MI. This zone keeps boats and people out to protect everyone during a cool drone show. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because you’ll need special permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are expected.
2026-13972 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0042
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about oil and hazardous material transfers on ships, with no changes to the current rules. This affects companies involved in moving these materials and asks for public feedback by September 8, 2026. There’s no new cost or extra paperwork, just a request to continue what’s already in place.
2026-13943 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0066
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about ship and facility emergency plans, including special rules for Prince William Sound, without changing anything. This affects ship operators and facility managers who must keep their response plans updated. They’re asking for public comments by September 8, 2026, before sending their request to the Office of Management and Budget—no new costs or changes are planned.
2026-13964 — Safety Zone; North Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach, VA
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the North Atlantic Ocean near Virginia Beach to keep people and boats safe during fireworks shows. From July 10 to September 6, boats can’t enter the zone on Wednesday and Sunday nights between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. unless they get special permission. This helps prevent accidents from falling fireworks debris without costing anyone extra money.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10387 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Next: 2026-10391 — Safety Zone; Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA
On June 20, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Cape Charles Harbor, VA, to keep people and boats safe during a fireworks show. No one can enter the zone unless they get special permission. This quick rule helps prevent accidents from fireworks debris and keeps the water safe without costing anyone extra money.