Coast Guard Sets Summer Event Safety Zones
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones on the water during several big summer events in the Northern Great Lakes area to keep everyone safe. Boats will need to stay out of these zones unless they get special permission, especially around fireworks and airshows from July 1 to July 11, 2026. These rules help protect people and property without charging any fees or causing delays beyond event times.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Vessel exclusion during summer events
The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce safety zones that block vessel access at several Northern Great Lakes events. Boats must stay out unless they get permission during the listed dates and times (examples: Traverse City airshow July 3–5, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily; Sault Sainte Marie Canada Day fireworks July 1, 2026 from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; multiple July 3–5 and July 11, 24–25, 2026 fireworks events — see rule for full list).
Advance notices and possible suspension
The Coast Guard will give advance warnings to the maritime community by Broadcast Notice to Mariners or Local Notice to Mariners before enforcing these safety zones. The Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes may suspend enforcement for part or all of an advertised period and will notify the public and may grant general permission to enter the zone if enforcement is suspended.
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Key Dates
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