Great Lakes Boaters Face Event-Day Safety Zones This July
Published Date: 6/25/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up special safety zones and rules for several fun marine events in the Eastern Great Lakes this July 2026. Boaters and visitors need permission to enter these areas during event times to keep everyone safe. These rules affect local waterways and happen on specific dates, so plan ahead to avoid fines or delays!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
No-entry zones for July marine events
You may not enter certain limited access areas without permission during listed events. Affected events and times include: Tom Graves Memorial Fireworks (Port Bay) 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. on July 3, 2026; Boldt Castle Fireworks (Heart Island) 9:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026; City of Oswego 4th of July Display 9:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. on July 5, 2026; Can-Am Festival (Sackets Harbor) 9:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. on July 18, 2026; Celebrate Baldwinsville Fireworks 9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. on July 12, 2026; Oswego Harborfest 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. on July 24, 2026; and multiple July 25, 2026 events including Christmas in July/Christmas in July Fireworks and Lyme Community Days at the times listed in the notice.
Vessels may transit only with permission, at no-wake speed
During the enforcement periods, vessels may transit the regulated areas only with prior approval from the Captain of the Port on-scene representative or Patrol Commander (per Sec. 100.901(a) and Sec. 165.939(a)(4)). If allowed to transit, vessels must operate at no-wake speed and in a manner that will not endanger event participants or other craft.
Coast Guard may grant access via broadcast notice
The Coast Guard will notify mariners via Broadcast Notice to Mariners or Local Notice to Mariners, and if the Captain of the Port determines a safety zone need not be enforced for the full stated duration, the Coast Guard may use a Broadcast Notice to grant general permission to enter the limited access area.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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On August 2, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone around a fireworks barge near Put-In-Bay, Ohio, keeping boats and people at least 375 yards away. This temporary rule keeps everyone safe during the fireworks show and applies to all vessels on Lake Erie in that area. No fees or costs are involved, just a fun and safe night on the water!
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On July 19, 2026, from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sandusky Bay in Ohio will have a special rule to keep swimmers and boats safe during a big swim event with about 2,400 participants. Only people with permission can enter the area during this time, so boaters should plan ahead. This temporary change helps avoid accidents and keeps everyone happy and secure without costing anyone extra money.