Keeping the Ohio River Safe: Coast Guard Sets Temporary Security Zone

You might care about this because the U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary security zone on the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio. This rule affects all navigable waters of the river between mile markers 461 and 473. The purpose of this zone is to provide waterside security for people protected by the United States Secret Service during a visit to Cincinnati. The security zone is active from May 22, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through May 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, boats and people are not allowed to enter, travel through, or anchor in this area without specific permission. This permission must come from the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley or their authorized representative. The Coast Guard explains that they put this rule in place quickly without asking for public comments beforehand. They stated that this was necessary due to the urgent need for security and the short notice they received about the event. They will announce specific enforcement times through broadcast notices to mariners, as the zone will only be enforced when the protected individuals are actually in the area. This regulation ensures the safety of all parties involved during high-profile visits. What makes this legal document interesting is the immediate action taken by the Coast Guard. Normally, federal agencies propose rules and allow the public to comment before they become final. However, in this case, the Coast Guard used a special provision to make this a temporary final rule without public input. They stated that doing so was impractical and against the public's best interest to wait. This quick decision-making highlights how government bodies can react swiftly to security concerns, especially when time is short. The Coast Guard received notice of the visit on May 15, 2026, and needed the security zone in place by May 22, 2026. This tight timeline prevented them from following the usual public comment process. This shows the government's ability to prioritize safety and act decisively when faced with time-sensitive security needs, reflecting their commitment to protecting public figures. This legal document would be most interesting to several groups of people. Boaters, commercial vessel operators, and recreational users of the Ohio River in the Cincinnati area will find this directly relevant, as their access to a section of the river will be restricted. Any businesses that rely on river traffic or operate along the affected stretch of the river should also pay close attention. People involved in event planning or security services for high-profile individuals might also find this document valuable. It offers insight into the specific measures taken to ensure waterside safety during important visits. Lastly, anyone interested in federal government procedures, especially how agencies like the Coast Guard implement temporary regulations for security purposes, would find this document informative. It provides a real-world example of how safety measures are put into practice under tight deadlines.