Coast Guard Issues Temporary Safety Rules for Maryland Boat Race

You might care about this because the U.S. Coast Guard is putting a temporary rule in place for part of the Tred Avon River near Oxford, Maryland. This rule is for public safety during a power boat racing event on July 18, 2026. If the weather is bad, the rule will apply on July 19, 2026 instead. The main point is to keep everyone safe on the water. During specific hours on one of those two days, certain waters will be restricted. No one can enter this restricted area without permission from the Captain of the Port or their representative. This means that if you are usually on these waters, you will need to plan around these dates and times. The rule is designed to protect both the people participating in the race and anyone else who might be on the river. The Coast Guard received a request from the Smith Island Crab Skiff Association to hold their Historic Smith Island crab skiff races. These races involve several power boats competing on a marked course. The Coast Guard believes there is a risk of collisions if the area is not managed. So, this temporary rule helps prevent accidents and protects everyone involved. This rule is particularly interesting because it shows how quickly the Coast Guard can act to protect people during public events on the water. They are using a specific legal power to set up a temporary restricted area for a few hours. This action highlights their focus on preventing accidents, even for short-term events like a boat race. It also demonstrates how authorities make decisions when they need to ensure safety without much advance notice. The Coast Guard decided to issue this rule without a long public comment period because the event is approaching fast. They felt there was not enough time to go through the usual steps and still have the safety measures ready for the race day. This approach ensures that safety is prioritized for events that have a set schedule. It also serves as an example of how temporary rules are used to manage specific risks for a limited time and space. Anyone who uses the Tred Avon River in Oxford, Maryland, would be interested in this document. This includes recreational boaters, fishermen, and local residents who live near the river. People planning to attend the Historic Smith Island crab skiff races on July 18 or 19, 2026, should also pay close attention. Event organizers for other marine activities could learn about the process for requesting permits and how the Coast Guard manages safety. Businesses in Oxford that rely on water traffic might also want to be aware of the temporary restrictions. Finally, anyone interested in maritime law or public safety regulations will find this document useful. It explains how a government agency quickly implements rules to protect people during special events on waterways. This rule affects anyone whose activities might coincide with the boat race on the Tred Avon River.