Coast Guard Sets Temporary River Rules for Summer Races
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Rule
Summary
From July 24-26 and on September 5, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on parts of the Columbia River during the Kennewick Hydroplane Races and Columbia Crossing Swim. Boat operators in these areas must follow patrol instructions and may face delays or restricted movement to keep everyone safe. These temporary changes help protect people and property without any extra fees.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary regulated waterways
The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations on the Columbia River from July 24, 2026 (6:00 a.m.) through July 26, 2026 (6:00 p.m.) in Kennewick, WA (from 75 yards east of the I-395 Bridge upriver ~2.0 miles to the northern end of Wade Island) and on September 5, 2026 (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) in Pasco, WA (bank-to-bank between river mile 332 and river mile 335).
Boaters must follow patrol orders
If you operate a vessel in the regulated areas during the enforcement periods, you must comply with directions from the Patrol Commander or any official patrol vessel; vessels may not transit the regulated areas without approval, and vessels permitted to transit must operate at no-wake speed and not endanger participants.
Spectator and vessel behavior limits
Spectators and other vessels in the regulated areas may not anchor, block, loiter, or impede the transit of event participants or official patrol vessels during the effective dates and times (or as modified by Local Notice to Mariners) unless specifically authorized by an official patrol vessel.
No extra enforcement fees
The temporary enforcement actions for these marine events are intended to protect people and property and are described as being carried out without any extra fees.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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