Boston Harbor Swim Gets Coast Guard No-Go Bubble Zone
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for a portion of the navigable waters of Boston Inner Harbor, in the vicinity of Piers Park, East Boston, Massachusetts. The temporary safety zone is needed to protect the maritime public and event participants from potential hazards created by a swim event taking place in a heavily trafficked portion of the harbor scheduled for September 13, 2026. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Boston, or a designated representative.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Half‑day No‑Entry Safety Zone
You may not enter a boxed area of Boston Inner Harbor near Piers Park between 7:00 a.m. and noon on September 13, 2026. The zone is defined by four coordinates (Corner #1 42°21'41.22" N, 071°2'22.6" W; Corner #2 42°21'26.53" N, 071°2'32.28" W; Corner #3 42°21'2.59" N, 071°1'32.92" W; Corner #4 42°21'13.14" N, 071°1'24.6" W) and entry is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Permission Required To Enter Zone
If you need to enter the safety zone, you must get permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston or a designated representative. Requests to enter will be considered case-by-case and you can contact the COTP by VHF‑FM Marine Channel 16 or the Coast Guard Sector Boston Command Center at (857) 416-3015.
Speed and Compliance Rules for Allowed Vessels
If you are allowed into the safety zone, you must transit at your slowest safe speed to minimize wake and follow all lawful directions from the COTP or a designated representative. The Captain of the Port will announce enforcement times and any changes via local notices or Broadcast Notices to Mariners and VHF‑FM Channel 16.
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