Coast Guard to enforce sober boating, fireworks safety zone through Fourth of July weekend

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 to enforce sober boating, fireworks safety zone through Fourth of July weekend

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NEW YORK —  The Coast Guard and partner agencies will be participating in Operation Dry Water throughout the Fourth of July Weekend in support of the national campaign designed to prevent alcohol and drug-related boating accidents.

As part of the campaign, which runs from July 3-5, the Coast Guard and partner agencies will have an increased presence on the water to enforce boating laws and enable a quick response in the event of maritime emergencies.

Alcohol continues to be a leading factor in fatal boating accidents. There were 767 boating fatalities nationwide in 2020 and in over 100 of those cases (18%), alcohol was a contributing factor. This shows a 25 % increase over 2019.

The Coast Guard will also be establishing and enforcing regulated areas on New York City’s East River for the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display, Sunday.

All spectator vessels must be holding position in designated viewing areas no later than 8:30 pm. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:25 p.m. Boats cannot depart the designated viewing area until released by the Coast Guard. This information will be broadcast via VHF Channels 13 and 16.

Boaters should never use emergency signal flares as fireworks. All sighted flares will be treated as signs of distress. The use of personal drones in the security zones will also not be authorized. All boats shall maintain a 100-yard distance from any Coast Guard vessel at all times.

“The pandemic resulted in record numbers of new boat owners, so I urge all boaters to take precautions to ensure they have the proper safety equipment onboard before getting underway,” said Capt. Zeita Merchant, Captain of the Port of New York and Coast Guard Sector New York commander. “Remember to always wear your life jacket and ensure your passengers do too, and never operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

Spectator boats will be allowed into designated areas depending on their size, and will be divided into the following five sections (see image above):

·       1. ALPHA Section (Northernmost viewing area): Limited to vessels greater than or equal to 65 feet. Commercial passenger vessels must pass as close to the pier head 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 safe course while crossing through the Alpha Section and take all direction that may be provided by the Coast Guard.
 
·       2. BRAVO Section (Northernmost viewing area): This section is designated as a spectator area limited to vessels less than or equal to 65 feet.
 
·       3. INTERIOR DIVISION/CHARLIE Section (Barge Display area): No vessel movements are authorized in this section after 9 p.m. without permission from the Coast Guard. This section is intended to accommodate fireworks display barges and accompanying tugs only. 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 Channel 13. Commercial passenger vessels must pass as close to the pier head 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 safe course while crossing through the Charlie Section and take all direction that may be provided by the Coast Guard.
 
·       4. DELTA Section (Viewing area): Vessels greater than or equal to 65 feet may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section.
 
·       5. ECHO Section (Western viewing area): Vessels less than 65 feet may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. This designated section is adjacent to the Interior Division/Charlie Section (See chart above).

For more information about the fireworks, visit Macys.com/social/fireworks.
For more information about boating safety, visit USCGBoating.org.

 

-USCG-