National Parks Rewrite Jet Ski Slow-No-Go Zones
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Rule
Summary
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More room to ride personal watercraft
If you ride a personal watercraft (PWC) at Gulf Islands National Seashore, you may operate at greater speeds closer to shore than before. Starting September 23, 2026, PWC may be operated at greater-than-flat-wake speed up to 300 yards from shorelines in Mississippi and up to 150 yards from shorelines in Florida, giving PWC users more area to travel at higher speeds.
Specific PWC areas now closed
If you use a PWC at the Seashore, some places remain or are now explicitly closed to PWC use. The rule codifies that PWCs are prohibited in the lakes, ponds, lagoons, and inlets of West Petit Bois Island (Mississippi) and are prohibited within 200 feet of the ferry pier at Fort Pickens (Florida).
Rule certified not to hurt small businesses
The National Park Service certified that this rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. The agency says the changes are unlikely to affect regional businesses that provide services to PWC users.
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