Coast Guard Proposes Temporary Safety Zone on James River for Richmond Fireworks

You might care about this because the Coast Guard wants to create a temporary safety zone on a part of the James River in Richmond, Virginia. This zone is needed to keep everyone safe during a fireworks display. Fireworks can be dangerous. They can accidentally go off, send out dangerous pieces, or drop hot ashes. This proposed rule would stop people and boats from entering this specific river area. They would need special permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector Virginia to enter. The fireworks show is planned for June 13, 2026. The safety zone would be in effect for just one hour, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is to protect people, vessels, and the environment from any harm. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will launch fireworks from land next to the river. The Coast Guard wants your thoughts on this proposed rule. What is particularly interesting about this document is that it is a 'notice of proposed rulemaking.' This means the Coast Guard is asking for public comments before making the rule final. This is your chance to tell them what you think. It also shows how the Coast Guard acts quickly to protect public safety during special events. They are making a temporary rule for a very specific event and location. The Coast Guard has checked that this temporary zone should not cause big problems for small businesses. They expect little traffic during that one hour. They also plan to tell boaters about the zone using marine radio. Boats can still ask for permission to pass through the area. The Coast Guard also confirms that this rule will not have a large negative impact on the environment or state and local governments. This proposed rule would be most interesting to several groups of people. Anyone who uses the James River for boating or recreation in the Richmond area should pay attention. This includes recreational boaters, kayakers, and anyone who might be on the river that evening. Businesses that operate on the James River, especially those with nighttime operations, will want to know about this. Event organizers who plan activities near waterways could learn about the process for ensuring safety. People living in Richmond who enjoy fireworks displays might also be interested in the safety measures. Lastly, those who follow federal regulations and how the Coast Guard manages waterways will find this document relevant. It shows the detailed process behind temporary safety measures for public events.