Temporary Safety Zone Established for Mackinac Bridge Swim Event

You might care about this because the U.S. Coast Guard has created a temporary safety zone around the center of the Mackinac Bridge. This zone is in the Straits of Mackinac near Mackinaw City, Michigan. It is put in place to keep everyone safe during a swim event happening on July 18, 2026. The event involves about 400 swimmers crossing from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace. This safety zone will be active from 7 a.m. to noon on that specific day. During these hours, no boats or people are allowed to enter the area without special permission. This rule protects the swimmers, vessels in the area, and the marine environment. The Coast Guard considered potential dangers linked to such a large swimming event under the bridge. They made sure to address any safety concerns. This temporary rule ensures that the event can happen safely for all participants and anyone else nearby. What is particularly interesting about this action is how the Coast Guard quickly sets up special rules for unique events. This temporary safety zone shows that federal agencies can respond to specific needs for public safety on our waterways. It highlights how important it is to protect participants in large public gatherings, even on the water. The Coast Guard identified a clear risk to swimmers and others from boat traffic. They created a focused solution for a short period. This rule also came after a public notice, but no one sent in comments. This suggests the public and affected parties understood the need for the safety zone. This action sets a clear example of how water safety is managed during specific community events, ensuring everyone's security without causing long-term restrictions on navigation. People who would be most interested in this legal document include local boaters and commercial vessel operators who regularly travel through the Straits of Mackinac. Anyone planning a boating trip in that area on July 18, 2026, will need to know about this temporary restriction. Residents of Mackinaw City and St. Ignace might also be interested, especially if they plan to watch the swim or use the water nearby. The organizers of the swim event and similar aquatic activities will find this document relevant as it outlines the process for ensuring safety during such events. Small businesses that rely on water access or tourism in the area will also want to be aware of the temporary changes to avoid any disruptions to their operations. Finally, anyone interested in water safety regulations and how federal agencies manage them will find this document useful.