Cancer-fighting flotilla gets its own no-swimming concert zone
Published Date: 8/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Casco Bay near Long Island, ME, for the Flotilla to Fight Cancer offshore concert on August 15, 2026. This means boats must follow new speed limits, stay in designated lanes, and no swimming is allowed during the event to keep everyone safe. The rules kick in from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a backup day on August 16 if weather delays happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary safety zone during concert
A temporary special local regulation covers Casco Bay near the Falmouth side of Cow Island from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on August 15, 2026, with enforcement shifted to the same hours on August 16, 2026 if weather delays the event. The regulated polygon is defined by specific coordinates in the rule and will serve as a spectator area and transit lanes.
Swimming prohibited in regulated area
All swimming is prohibited within the entire regulated area during the enforcement period (12:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. on August 15, 2026, or the same hours on August 16, 2026 if delayed).
Slow-No Wake speed limit (5 knots)
During the enforcement period, all vessels within the regulated area must operate at Slow-No Wake speeds: vessels may not produce a wake and may not exceed five (5) knots unless a higher speed is necessary to maintain bare steerageway.
No stopping or mooring in transit lanes
Two transit areas are established within the spectator zone (one between Cow Island points and a central lane 240 feet wide). Vessels in a transit area must make a direct passage and may not stop, fish, moor, anchor, or loiter at any time, except when mooring to existing mooring balls located in the areas.
Deviations require Coast Guard authorization
Persons or vessels seeking to deviate from the area restrictions must request authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's representative via VHF-FM Channel 16 or by contacting the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Command Center at (833) 449-2407; all persons must comply with lawful orders from the COTP or official patrol vessels during the enforcement period.
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