Safety zone shields Rhode Island swim from rogue boats
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in West Passage Narragansett Bay, RI, to keep swimmers safe during the Dutch Island Swim event on August 18, 2026. Boats and people can’t enter the zone unless they get special permission. This rule is only enforced during the swim hours and helps prevent accidents without costing anyone money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary closure of West Passage waters
You may not enter the safety zone in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay that covers all navigable waters within 500 yards along a centerline from 41°29'32.5" N., 71°25'12.0" W. to 41°29'48.3" N., 71°24'15.4" W. during the event period from 10:30 a.m. on August 18, 2026 through 1:00 p.m. on August 19, 2026; enforcement is only from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 18, 2026 unless the event is delayed to the same hours on August 19, 2026.
Must get Coast Guard permission to enter
If you need to enter the safety zone during the enforcement hours, you must get specific permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's designated representative and comply with their orders. The rule directs mariners to seek permission on VHF-FM channel 16 and notes that the day of enforcement will be announced by a Safety Marine Information Broadcast.
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