Coast Guard Bans Boats From Chicago Fireworks
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Rule
Summary
On July 10, 2026, from 8:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone in Monroe Harbor and nearby Lake Michigan to keep people and boats safe during the Taste of Chicago fireworks and drone show. Only authorized vessels can enter this zone during that time. This quick action helps prevent accidents and protects the environment without costing anyone extra.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary safety zone restricts boats
On July 10, 2026, from 8:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., all navigable waters of Monroe Harbor and nearby Lake Michigan within the listed coordinates (point 1: 41°52'42.1" N 87°37'1.1" W; point 2: 41°52'25.8" N 87°37'0.1" W; point 3: 41°52'26.1" N 87°36'22.4" W; point 4: 41°52'42.3" N 87°36'21.7" W) are a safety zone for the Taste of Chicago fireworks and drone show. You may not enter the zone during that time unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's designated representative; to request permission, contact VHF-FM channel 16 or telephone (833) 900-2247.
Small businesses can seek assistance
The rule states that the Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis does not apply because notice and comment were waived, and it directs small businesses affected by the rule to contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section or the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman. Small businesses may call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247) to send comments or request help if they believe the rule affects them.
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
2026-13137 — Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
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.
2026-13562 — Safety Zones; Fireworks Displays in the USCG East District, Ocean City, NJ
On July 25, 2026, from 9:15 to 9:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a safety zone around the Ocean City, NJ fireworks display to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the area must follow Coast Guard instructions and stay clear of the 300-yard zone near the fireworks barge. This short, no-cost safety measure helps prevent accidents during the show.
2026-13555 — Safety Zone; Fireworks Displays Within the USCG East District
On July 11, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone on the Potomac River near Fairview Beach, Virginia, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission. The zone will be active from 8:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with a backup date on July 12 if the weather cancels the show.
2026-13548 — Safety Zones; Annual Events Requiring Safety Zones in the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan Zone
The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Michigan City, IN, for the Super Boat Grand Prix on August 1-2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, boats can’t enter or hang out in the area without special permission to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, be ready to follow Coast Guard instructions or risk being turned away.
2026-13554 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Coast Guard East District
From July 10 to 12, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules around Sparrows Point, MD, during the Tiki Lee's Shootout on the River Airshow to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators near the airshow must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols during set hours. These temporary rules help protect people without charging fees but require cooperation during the event times.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13614 — Safety Zone; Savannah River, Savannah, GA
From July 6 to July 17, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone near Elba Island Cut on the Savannah River to keep people and boats safe during pipeline installation. No one can enter this area unless the Captain of the Port says it’s okay. This means boaters in the area need to plan ahead and follow new rules for about two weeks—no extra fees, just safer waters!
Next: 2026-13620 — Amendment of Using Agency and Controlling Agency for Restricted Areas R-5301, R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C; NC
The FAA is updating who manages and controls four restricted airspaces in North Carolina (R-5301, R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C) to fix some small errors. This change won’t affect the size, height, or activities in these areas. It kicks in on July 9, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or change how the airspace is used.