Coast Guard Bans Boats From July 4 Fireworks Again
Published Date: 6/29/2026
Rule
Summary
On July 4, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., a safety zone will be set up on the Lower Mississippi River near Vidalia, LA, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission from the Coast Guard. This temporary rule helps protect folks, vessels, and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fireworks Safety Zone Blocks River Traffic
On July 4, 2026, from 8:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m., all vessels and people are prohibited from entering the Lower Mississippi River between mile markers 363.5 and 364.5 (surface to bottom) unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lower Mississippi River or a designated representative. To seek permission to enter during that time, contact the Captain of the Port or their representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by phone at (866) 360-3386.
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.
2026-13050 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone
The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone on the Maumee River in Toledo, OH, for the Toledo Country Club 4th of July Fireworks on July 5, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. During this time, boats can’t enter the area without permission to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, be ready to follow Coast Guard instructions—no extra costs, just extra safety!
2026-13028 — Safety Zone; Ouachita River, West Monroe, LA
On July 4, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Ouachita River near West Monroe, LA, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect folks, vessels, and the environment without any extra costs or delays.
2026-13029 — Safety Zone; Columbia River, Richland, WA
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Columbia River near Richland, WA, on June 27-28, 2026, to keep everyone safe during high-speed hydroplane races. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect racers, spectators, and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.
2026-13031 — Safety Zone; Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA
On July 2, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the historic ship SSV NIAGARA in Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA. This zone keeps boats and people safe during a special boat parade by limiting who can enter the area. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because you’ll need permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are expected.
2026-13033 — Safety Zones; Potomac River, Woodbridge VA to District of Columbia
The Coast Guard is setting up temporary safety zones on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers from June 24 to July 6, 2026, to keep boats and people safe during the Salute to America Fireworks Show. If you’re boating near Woodbridge, VA, or DC, you’ll need special permission to enter these zones. This rule helps protect everyone from fireworks hazards without costing you a dime!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13029 — Safety Zone; Columbia River, Richland, WA
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Columbia River near Richland, WA, on June 27-28, 2026, to keep everyone safe during high-speed hydroplane races. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect racers, spectators, and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.
Next: 2026-13031 — Safety Zone; Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA
On July 2, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the historic ship SSV NIAGARA in Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA. This zone keeps boats and people safe during a special boat parade by limiting who can enter the area. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because you’ll need permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are expected.