Drones Take Over Lake Michigan Fireworks Ban Zone
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Rule
Summary
On July 3, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee to keep people and boats safe during a drone show. No one can enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps avoid accidents without causing any fees or long delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Two-Hour No-Entry Zone for Boaters
On July 3, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., all vessels and people are prohibited from entering a safety zone on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee defined by four coordinates (starting at 43°3.2233' N, 087°52.826' W and returning to that point). You cannot enter that area during those hours unless you get specific authorization from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
How to Get Permission to Enter
If you need to enter the safety zone on July 3, 2026 between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., you must be authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative. To request permission, contact the Captain of the Port or their representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at (414) 747-7182.
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
2026-08699 — 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.
2026-10390 — Safety Zones; Fireworks Displays in the USCG East District
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.
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.
2026-10423 — Security Zone; Ohio River, Cincinnati, OH
From May 22 to May 25, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary security zone on the Ohio River in Cincinnati, covering mile markers 461 to 473. This means boats can’t enter, pass through, or anchor there unless they get special permission. This is to keep everyone safe during a visit by people protected by the Secret Service, with no extra costs for the public.
2026-10392 — Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Safety and Security Zones: Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary 2026; Boston Harbor, Boston, MA.
From July 10 to 16, 2026, Boston Harbor will have special rules to keep everyone safe during Sail Boston’s 250th Anniversary celebration. Certain areas will be off-limits for boats, and some anchoring spots will be temporarily closed. If you’re boating or planning to visit, expect changes that help protect this big, fun event—no extra fees, just smooth sailing and safety first!
2026-10413 — Foam Fire-Extinguishing Systems
The Coast Guard wants to update the rules for foam fire-extinguishing systems used on boats and ships. These changes will make the approval process easier, cut down on unnecessary testing, and save money for both businesses and the government. If you’re involved in making or using these systems, you have until July 27, 2026, to share your thoughts.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10393 — Safety Zones; Annual Events Requiring Safety Zones in the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan Zone
The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee for several big events with fireworks and drone shows this summer. Boats can’t enter or anchor in these zones during specific times in June, July, and August 2026 unless they get special permission. This keeps everyone safe and the water clear, so plan ahead if you’re boating nearby!
Next: 2026-10423 — Security Zone; Ohio River, Cincinnati, OH
From May 22 to May 25, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary security zone on the Ohio River in Cincinnati, covering mile markers 461 to 473. This means boats can’t enter, pass through, or anchor there unless they get special permission. This is to keep everyone safe during a visit by people protected by the Secret Service, with no extra costs for the public.