Coast Guard Sets Fireworks Safety Zones on Great Lakes
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones on the water during two big fireworks events in the Eastern Great Lakes area this summer. Boats can’t enter these zones without special permission on June 27 and July 4, 2026, to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead and follow the rules to avoid fines or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
No-Entry Safety Zones on Two Dates
You may not enter the Coast Guard safety zones in Hamlin, NY from 9:45 p.m. through 11:15 p.m. on June 27, 2026, or in North Tonawanda, NY from 9:45 p.m. through 10:45 p.m. on July 4, 2026, unless the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes (or their representative) gives permission.
How to Request Permission to Enter
If you need to enter one of these safety zones during enforcement, you must request permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes or their representative via VHF-FM channel 16. Vessels granted permission must follow the Captain of the Port's directions while inside the zone.
Operational Rules and Advance Notices
While inside a safety zone, vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course. The Coast Guard will give advance notice of enforcement periods via Broadcast Notice to Mariners or other suitable means, and may use a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to grant general permission if the zone need not be enforced for the full stated duration.
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.
2026-12488 — Safety Zone; Toms River, Beachwood, NJ
On July 4, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Toms River near Beachwood, NJ, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter the area within 250 yards of the fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a rain date on July 5. This quick action helps protect folks and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.
2026-12432 — Safety Zone; Offshore, Ritidian Point, GU
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the waters off Ritidian Point, Guam, from June 30 to July 1, 2026. This zone keeps boats and people out during a big missile defense exercise to keep everyone safe. If you want to enter, you’ll need special permission, but no extra costs or long delays are expected.
2026-12490 — Safety Zone; Delaware River, Philadelphia, PA
On July 4, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Delaware River near Pleasant Hill Park in Philadelphia for a fireworks show on a barge. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe and sound. This quick rule helps protect folks and the environment during the celebration without any extra costs or delays.
2026-12203 — Safety Zone; Ohio River Mile Marker 0-0.5, Allegheny River Mile Marker 0-0.5, Monongahela River Mile Marker 0-0.5, Pittsburgh, PA
On June 27, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone on the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers near Pittsburgh from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. This zone keeps boats and people out during a cool drone show to keep everyone safe from falling debris and low-flying drones. If you’re on the water, you’ll need special permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are expected.
2026-12183 — 2025 Quarterly Listings; Fourth Quarter; Safety Zones, Security Zones, and Special Local Regulations
The Coast Guard is letting everyone know about temporary safety and security rules that were active from October to December 2025 but didn’t get published on time. These rules affect boaters, event organizers, and waterfront users by setting safety zones and special event regulations to keep things safe and secure. No new fees or long-term changes here—just a heads-up on past rules and enforcement.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12415 — Air Plan Approval; OR; Update to Materials Incorporated by Reference
The EPA is updating Oregon’s air quality plan by fixing two typos and refreshing the official materials you can check out. This update doesn’t change any rules or costs but makes sure the public and officials have the right info starting June 22, 2026. If you live in Oregon or work with air quality rules, this keeps everything clear and official.
Next: 2026-12424 — Congressional Review Act Revocation of 2024 Amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing
The EPA is officially scrapping the 2024 air pollution rules for rubber tire makers because Congress said no. This means the new limits on harmful emissions from rubber tire factories won’t take effect, saving those businesses from new costs and changes—for now. The rule removal kicks in on November 29, 2024, so the old standards stay in place until then.