No Boating During Chicago's Fireworks Drone Spectacular, Says Coast Guard
Published Date: 10/15/2026
Rule
Summary
On October 15, 2026, from 9:00 to 9:15 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Lake Michigan near Navy Pier, Chicago. This zone keeps boats and people away to protect everyone during the Navy Pier Fireworks and Drone Show. If you’re boating there, you’ll need special permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Lake Michigan Safety Zone
If you are boating near Navy Pier in Chicago, you may not enter the marked rectangle in Lake Michigan from 9:00 p.m. through 9:15 p.m. on October 15, 2026. The zone is bounded by the points beginning 41°53′00″ N, 87°36′36″ W, east to 41°53′00″ N, 87°36′11″ W, north to 41°53′28″ N, 87°36′11″ W, west to 41°53′28″ N, 87°36′34″ W, and then south to the point of origin; entry is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's designated representative, who can be contacted on VHF‑FM channel 16. The Coast Guard determined fireworks and drones create hazards for anyone within 800 feet of the fireworks display, which is the reason for the safety zone.
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