Temporary Safety Zone in New York Bay for Aerial Displays

You might care about this because the U.S. Coast Guard has set up a temporary safety zone in the Upper New York Bay. This area is near Liberty Island and Governors Island. The purpose is to protect people, boats, and the marine environment during special aerial displays. These events are part of the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Coast Guard is worried about things like falling equipment or aerial objects hitting boat masts or pilothouses. So, they have made it a rule that no one can enter this zone without permission from the Captain of the Port of Sector New York. This temporary rule will be in effect from September 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. However, the safety zone will only be active when the aerial displays are actually happening. The Captain of the Port will announce the exact dates, times, and locations beforehand through marine broadcasts or local notices to mariners. They issued this rule quickly without public comments because of the urgent need for safety and a lack of time. What makes this rule interesting is how quickly the Coast Guard acted to make it law. They skipped the usual public comment period for new rules. They did this because they felt there was not enough time to get feedback. This shows that when there is an urgent safety concern, government agencies can make quick decisions. This rule also covers specific aerial displays that fall outside an existing permanent safety zone for drones in the Hudson River. This means that even with established rules, new situations can require special, temporary measures. The rule highlights how the Coast Guard balances public access to waterways with the need to keep everyone safe during special events. This temporary zone can be up to 500 yards wide. It gives the Captain of the Port the power to manage vessel traffic and ensure safety during these important anniversary events. People who would be most interested in this legal document include anyone who uses the Upper New York Bay. This means recreational boaters, commercial shipping companies, and ferry operators need to pay attention. Local maritime businesses, like tour operators or marinas, will also find this important as it could affect their operations. Event organizers planning aerial displays in other areas might see this as an example of how such events can be regulated for safety. Residents and visitors who plan to be near Liberty Island or Governors Island during September 2026 should also be aware. They need to know about possible restrictions or changes in waterway access. Finally, legal professionals or students studying administrative law might be interested in the Coast Guard's decision to bypass public notice and comment due to good cause.