Coast Guard Tweaks Boat Race Safety List Again
Published Date: 6/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to update rules for boat races and water events in the East District to keep everyone safe. They’re adding four new events, changing rules for three others, and reorganizing the list. If you’re involved in these events, speak up by July 9, 2026—no fees are mentioned, but safety is the top priority!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Boaters Banned During Event Enforcement
During enforcement periods for these marine events, non-participant persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, remaining in, transiting through, or anchoring in the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. The rule applies whenever enforcement periods are in effect for events listed in Table 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of 33 CFR 100.501.
Four Events Added, Three Revised
The rule would add four recurring special local regulations (Wildwood Airshow; Philadelphia Cup Regatta; Treasure Island Sprint Triathlon; Ocean City Chase Race) and revise three existing entries (Battle at Brigantine, Atlantic City Airshow, Ocean City Airshow) in Table 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of 33 CFR 100.501. The added events have enforcement periods such as one Saturday or Sunday in September (Wildwood Airshow), one Saturday or Sunday in September or October (Philadelphia Cup Regatta and Treasure Island Sprint Triathlon), and one Saturday or Sunday in October (Ocean City Chase Race); affected parties may submit comments by July 9, 2026.
Coast Guard Will Publish Enforcement Dates
If finalized, the Coast Guard will publish annual notices of the exact dates and times each SLR will be enforced, and will publish a Notice of Enforcement in the Federal Register and issue a Broadcaster Notice to Mariners if enforcement dates change. This gives mariners and event stakeholders advance notice of when the prohibitions will apply.
Agency Certifies Minimal Small-Business Impact
The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The rule invites small entities to submit comments if they believe they would be significantly affected and provides contact information including the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman phone number 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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