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.
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.
2026-14500 — Special Local Regulation; Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY
On August 8, 2026, from 6 a.m. to noon, the Coast Guard will temporarily block off part of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca for a big open water swim event. Only authorized boats and people can enter the area during this time to keep everyone safe and protect the environment. If you plan to be on the lake, be ready for these changes and plan ahead!
2026-14316 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events in the Coast Guard Sector Detroit Captain of the Port Zone
The Coast Guard is stepping in to keep things safe during the St. Clair River Classic Power Boat Race on July 25-26, 2026. If you’re boating nearby, you’ll need to follow their directions and get permission to enter the race area during certain hours. This helps protect racers and everyone enjoying the water without causing delays or extra costs.
2026-14315 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Southwest District
On July 17, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules in San Diego Bay during the Dutch Shoe Regatta to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. This means some boating activities might be limited, but it’s all about making the event fun and safe for everyone.
2026-14207 — Safety Zones; Recurring Events in Captain of the Port Duluth Zone
The Coast Guard is updating rules for safety zones during yearly events in the Duluth area, letting them move the zones a bit instead of sticking to exact spots. This change helps keep people and boats safe while making it easier to manage events without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on August 14, 2026, and mainly affects event organizers and boaters near Duluth’s waters.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14500 — Special Local Regulation; Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY
On August 8, 2026, from 6 a.m. to noon, the Coast Guard will temporarily block off part of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca for a big open water swim event. Only authorized boats and people can enter the area during this time to keep everyone safe and protect the environment. If you plan to be on the lake, be ready for these changes and plan ahead!
Next: 2026-14509 — Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants
Starting August 17, 2026, swap dealers and big swap players get some margin rule relief! New rules say certain new investment funds won’t have to exchange initial margin for up to three years, and more types of money market funds can now count as good collateral. Plus, the rules tweak how much value gets discounted on some assets, making it easier and cheaper to trade uncleared swaps.