Coast Guard Establishes Temporary Safety Zone for Baltimore Air Show

You might care about this because the U.S. Coast Guard is putting a temporary safety zone in place in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. This rule is a final decision to create a restricted area on the water. Its main goal is to keep people, boats, and the water environment safe during an upcoming Air Show. The rule stops any unauthorized people or vessels from entering this specific area. The Air Show will have events like flyovers and aviation demonstrations. These activities, including U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Drills and WWII-era "Warbird" flyovers, can create dangers. This safety zone makes sure that everyone stays clear of these potential hazards. The rule explains the exact boundaries of the restricted water area using specific geographic points. It also tells people how to ask for permission to enter if they have a good reason. This measure is a direct response to the planned "SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore" event. It ensures that the celebrations can happen safely for everyone involved and watching. What is particularly interesting about this rule is its focus on a very specific, temporary event. The Coast Guard is not making a permanent change to navigation. Instead, it is setting up a short-term safety measure for the "SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore" from June 24 to July 1, 2026. This shows how regulators adapt to public events that use waterways. The safety zone is quite large, covering about 2,000 yards by 500 yards of the Inner Harbor. Even though it is in effect for a week, it will only be enforced for a few hours each day when the air demonstrations are happening. This careful scheduling tries to lessen the impact on daily harbor traffic while still protecting against risks. It is also worth noting that the Coast Guard received no public comments when they first proposed this rule. This suggests that the plan was generally accepted or understood by those who might be affected. People who would be most interested in this legal document include anyone planning to be on the water in Baltimore's Inner Harbor between June 24 and July 1, 2026. This includes recreational boaters, commercial vessel operators, and tour boat companies. Local residents who live near the Inner Harbor or who enjoy waterfront activities should also be aware. Event organizers and participants in the "SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore" will find this rule very relevant. Businesses that operate in the harbor area, such as marinas, restaurants with waterside access, or fishing charters, need to know about these restrictions. Finally, anyone interested in maritime safety regulations or the procedures the Coast Guard uses to manage public events would find this document informative. It offers a clear example of how temporary rules are put into place to ensure public safety during special occasions.