Special Local Regulation for 4th of July Fireworks in East River and Upper New York Bay, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY (2026)
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing a temporary special local regulation (SLR) for Macy's 2026 4th of July fireworks display in New York Harbor. The rule establishes moving protection zones within 50 yards of eight fireworks barges during transit, two large exclusion zones (Charlie and Echo) around launch sites near Roosevelt Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, and five designated spectator viewing areas (Alpha, Bravo, Delta, Foxtrot, Golf) with entry restrictions based on vessel length and time. Enforcement runs from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026 (or July 5 if delayed by weather). Personal watercraft are banned from all regulated areas. This event overlaps with the concurrent International Naval Review and Sail 4th 250, meaning only authorized vessels from that rule may operate in overlapping zones. The goal is to prevent collisions, protect spectators from fireworks hazards, and ensure safe navigation.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Establishes moving 50-yard protection zones around eight fireworks barges during transit from staging to launch sites
- Creates two exclusion areas (Charlie around Brooklyn Bridge, Echo around Roosevelt Island) closed to all non-participant vessels
- Designates five spectator viewing areas (Alpha, Bravo, Delta, Foxtrot, Golf) with vessel length and entry time restrictions
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Obligations
What this law requires
All vessels must remain outside 50-yard moving protection zones around the eight fireworks barges during their transit from staging areas to launch locations
All non-participant vessels, including spectator vessels, are prohibited from entering exclusion zone Charlie (around Roosevelt Island fireworks launch sites) during the enforcement period
All non-participant vessels, including spectator vessels, are prohibited from entering exclusion zone Echo (around Brooklyn Bridge fireworks launch sites) during the enforcement period
Personal watercraft are banned from all regulated areas during the enforcement period from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026 (or July 5 if weather delayed)
Vessels entering spectator area Delta must do so by 7:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026 and cannot enter after that time