Coast Guard Adds Eight More Firework Zones Off Southern California
Published Date: 10/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to update safety zones for fireworks shows in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area by adding 8 new events, updating 13, and removing 2. These zones keep boats and people safe from fireworks debris by restricting access during shows. If you’re involved in boating or fireworks events, watch for changes and share your thoughts by November 27, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No-entry Safety Zones During Fireworks
The rule would prohibit any person or vessel from entering the listed safety zones during fireworks events unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Los Angeles-Long Beach. Many events use a 100-foot radius around the launch barge during loading and transit that increases to a 1,000-foot radius upon commencement of the display; some events increase only to a 500-foot radius at commencement (for example, Port of Long Beach NYE shows a 500-foot radius).
Eight New Recurring Safety Zones Added
The proposed rule would add eight new recurring events to 33 CFR 165.1125, including Newport Beach, Two Harbors (Catalina Island), Bel Air Bay (Pacific Palisades), Los Alamitos Bay, Three Arch Bay (South Laguna), Port of Los Angeles (4th of July), Port of Long Beach (NYE), and Santa Barbara Harbor (Holiday). Many of these specify a 100-foot radius during loading/transit that increases to a 1,000-foot radius upon commencement; Port of Long Beach (NYE) would have a 500-foot radius around a land-based shoot location during the last week of December.
Expanded Enforcement Window for July Events
For many Fourth of July events the enforcement date is changed from a single day ("July 4th") to the "First week in July," meaning the regulated period for those events is broadened to a multi-day window. This update is explicitly applied to multiple renamed/updated events such as Marina Del Rey (4th of July), Dana Point, Port of Long Beach (4th of July), and Santa Barbara.
Two Event Safety Zones Removed
The proposed rule would remove the "Cambria American Legion Post Fourth of July Fireworks" and the "Fourth of July Fireworks, City of Faria" from 33 CFR 165.1125 because these events have not taken place within the previous 5 years; enforcement of their safety zones would end.
Coast Guard Certifies Minimal Small-Business Impact
The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that the proposed rule "would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities." It states vessels can transit around the regulated areas, the areas affect a small area for a few hours, enforcement typically occurs when vessel traffic is low, the Coast Guard will publish Local Notices to Mariners and Broadcast Notices to Mariners, and vessels may request permission to enter the regulated area from the Captain of the Port.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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