06/17/2026
Ahoy Boaters, not sure if you are aware of the America 250 Fireworks taking place on July 4 and the restrictions along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers- Attached is the Notice to Mariners it has a lot of info but I want to break it down-
Approximaely 800,000 fireworks display over approximately 45 minutes, a 30 minute increase from the norm.
Safety Zone 1 and Security Zone - Potomac River: All waters of the Potomac River, from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge complex. This area will be closed to all recreational vessels except those entering or exiting the Pentagon Lagoon. Recreational vessels entering or exiting the
Pentagon Lagoon are directed to remain on the Virginia side of the river. Vessels will not be permitted to head north past the entrance to Pentagon Lagoon. Commercial ferry and dinner cruise vessels will be allowed through safety zone with permission of the Patrol Commander. This Safety Zone will be enforced from 8:00 a.m. July 02, 2026 to 6:00 a.m. July 05, 2026.
This Safety Zone will be closed to all vessels, including commercial ferry and dinner cruise vessels, during airshow operations from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. July 03, 2026, and from 1200 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 04, 2026. During these times vessels may still enter and exit the Pentagon Lagoon, except during the fireworks show
Safety Zone 2 - Anacostia River: All waters of the Anacostia River from the 11th Street Bridge to 200 yards south of the Frederick Douglass Bridge. This area will be closed to all vessels. Please see the attached image. This Safety Zone will be enforced from 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 04, 2026.
Safety Zone 3 – Fireworks Barges: All waters within 100 yards of any barge carrying fireworks for the Salute to America 250 while moving or at anchor. This area will be closed to all vessels from 8:00 a.m. June 23, 2026 to 10:00 a.m. July 4, 2026.
PENALTY: Vessels or persons violating this section may be liable pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 70041(d)(1)(B)-(D). Under 33 CFR 27.3 (Penalty Adjustment Table), the maximum civil monetary penalty for violation is $11,162.
