Coast Guard Adds and Drops Great Lakes Safety Zones
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is updating safety zones for yearly events in the Eastern Great Lakes to keep everyone safe on the water. These changes remove old events and add new ones, starting August 17, 2026. Boaters and event organizers should watch for updated rules that might affect when and where they can navigate, but no new fees are involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New annual safety zones take effect
If you boat or run events in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes Zone, the Coast Guard changed the list of annual safety zones in 33 CFR 165.939. The rule is effective August 17, 2026 and updates when and where you can navigate around listed events, generally impacting small areas for a few hours per event.
No new fees for affected users
The Coast Guard states this rule will not impose any new fees related to the amended safety zones. Boaters and event organizers will not be charged new Coast Guard fees because of this rule.
Advance notices and entry permission
The Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF FM marine channel 16 and allows vessels to request permission to enter a regulated area from the Captain of the Port. These measures let boaters adjust transit plans and request authorized passage during enforcement.
Coast Guard finds minimal small‑business impact
The Coast Guard certified under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency reasoned the rule affects small areas for a few hours per event and enforcement is generally during low-traffic times.
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