Hydroplane Race Gets Predictable Coast Guard Rules
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Rule
Summary
From July 30 to August 2, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on parts of Lake Washington during the Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race to keep everyone safe. Boats and people in the race area must follow directions from Coast Guard and other law enforcement officers between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. This means some areas will have restricted access, so plan ahead if you’re on the water!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary navigation and enforcement period
From 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day from July 30, 2026 through August 2, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on portions of Lake Washington for the Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race. During those hours, vessels and people in the regulated area must follow lawful directions from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander and assisting law enforcement.
Zone I access: authorized vessels only
During enforcement hours, only authorized vessels may enter Zone I of the regulated area on Lake Washington. Vessels near Zone I must maneuver or anchor as directed by Coast Guard officers.
Swimming banned in Zone I during races
While hydroplane boats are on the racecourse during the enforcement times, swimming, wading, or otherwise entering the water in Zone I is prohibited. This ban applies during the active racing periods between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on July 30–August 2, 2026.
Water-entry distance limits in Zones I and II
At other times in Zone I, anyone entering the water from the shoreline must stay west of the swim line (marked by buoys), and anyone entering from the log boom must remain within ten (10) feet of the log boom. During enforcement times, anyone entering the water in Zone II must remain within ten (10) feet of a vessel.
Rafting and towing restrictions near log boom
During enforcement hours, rafting to a log boom is limited to groups of three (3) vessels. Up to six (6) vessels may raft together in Zone II if none are secured to a log boom. Only vessels authorized by the Patrol Commander, law enforcement, or event sponsors may tow other watercraft or inflatable devices.
7 mph speed limit and enforcement penalties
While the regulation is in effect, vessels in Zone I or Zone II must travel at speeds that create minimum wake, seven (7) miles per hour or less, and this maximum may be reduced by the Patrol Commander. After daily racing, vessels leaving either zone must also proceed at seven (7) miles per hour or less. Vessels must stop on succession of sharp whistle/horn signals from patrol vessels, and failure to comply may result in expulsion from the area, citation, or both.
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