Coast Guard announces waterway restrictions for Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District PA Detachment New York Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment New York Office: (212) 514-4291 After Hours: (917) 703-0983 PA Detachment New York online newsroom

Coast Guard announces waterway restrictions for Macy's 4th of July fireworks display

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NEW YORK – The U.S. Coast Guard will establish and strictly enforce regulated areas on the East River for the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display, Wednesday.

All spectator vessels may enter the designated viewing areas as early as 7:30 p.m., access to the designated areas will be closed by 8:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:20 p.m. Vessels will be required to hold position, not at anchor and not depart the designated viewing area until released by the on-scene Coast Guard Patrol Commander. This information will be broadcasted via VHF-FM Channel 13 and 16.

 

Tugs and tows, and commercial vessels not observing the fireworks must remain outside of the regulated area no later than 6:00 p.m.

 

All vessels shall maintain a 100-yard distance from any Coast Guard vessel at all times.

 

“The Coast Guard wants everyone to enjoy the holiday while exercising safety and caution on or near the water,” said Capt. Jason Tama, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. “Boating safety is an essential component to activities on the water, and we urge all mariners to remain vigilant and have the proper safety equipment.”

 

Spectator vessels will be allowed into designated areas depending on their size, and will be divided into the following five sections:

1. ALPHA Section (Northernmost viewing area): Vessels greater than or equal to 20 meters in length (65.6 feet) may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. This designated section is defined by all navigable waters of the East River, between the east shore of Manhattan and west shore of Roosevelt Island. Commercial passenger vessels engaged in viewing the fireworks must pass as close to the pierhead line as possible and must transit through the zone no later than 7:30 p.m. Vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course while crossing through the Alpha Section and take all direction that may be provided by the Coast Guard. Please refer to attached chartlet for section boundaries.

2. BRAVO Section (Northernmost viewing area): Vessels less than 20 meters in length (65.6 feet) may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. This designated section is defined by all navigable waters of the East River between the east shore of Roosevelt Island and west shore of Long Island City. Please refer to attached chartlet for section boundaries.

3. INTERIOR DIVISION/CHARLIE Section (Barge Display area): No vessel movements are authorized in this section after 9:00 pm without permission from the U.S. Coast Guard. This section is intended to accommodate fireworks display barges and accompanying tugs ONLY. This designated section is defined by all navigable waters of the East River and south along the East River to the area near Noble Street, Brooklyn, NY. Commercial passenger vessels that need to transit through the Charlie Section en route to their designated viewing areas must receive authorization from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander via VHF Ch 13. Commercial passenger vessels engaged in viewing the fireworks must pass as close to the pierhead line as possible and must transit through the zone no later than 7:30 p.m. Vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course while crossing through the Charlie Section and take all direction that may be provided by the Coast Guard. Please refer to attached chartlet for section boundaries.

4. DELTA Section (Viewing area): Vessels less than 20 meters in length (65.6 feet) may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. This designated section is adjacent to the Interior Division/Charlie Section. Please refer to attached chartlet for section boundaries.

5. ECHO Section (Western viewing area): Vessels greater than or equal to 20 meters in length (65.6 feet) may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. Please refer to attached chartlet for section boundaries.

For media that have additional questions please call (212) 514-4291.

 

Additional details regarding this event are available on the Macy’s Marine Hot Line at (212) 494-5243 or Macy’s Annual Events Hot Line at (212) 494-4495.

 

For information regarding regulated area restrictions, contact MST1 Ron Sampert at (718) 354-4197 or via email at Ronald.J.Sampert@uscg.mil. For information within 48 hours prior the event, please call Sector New York Command Center at (718) 354-4353.

-USCG-