Boating Near DC For July 4? Check These River Closures First

Large sections of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers will be closed or restricted to boat traffic during America 250 celebrations and related Fourth of July events in the Washington, D.C., region, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The restrictions include multiple safety and security zones that will affect recreational and commercial vessels from late June through July 4.

The largest restricted area will cover the Potomac River from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge complex. The zone will be in effect from July 2 through the morning of July 5.

Most recreational vessels will be prohibited from entering the area, though boaters traveling to and from the Pentagon Lagoon will be allowed access along the Virginia shoreline. Commercial ferries and dinner cruise vessels may be permitted to transit the zone with Coast Guard approval.

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The Potomac River zone will be completely closed to all vessels during scheduled air show operations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 3 and from noon to 11:59 p.m. July 4. Access to the Pentagon Lagoon also will be restricted during the fireworks display.

A separate safety zone on the Anacostia River will close all waters between the 11th Street Bridge and a point 200 yards south of the Frederick Douglass Bridge from 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 4.

The Coast Guard also established a 100-yard exclusion zone around fireworks barges associated with the Salute to America 250 celebration. The restriction will remain in place from June 23 through the morning of July 4.

Vessel operators seeking permission to enter regulated areas may contact the event patrol commander on VHF-FM Channel 16. The Coast Guard said boaters must comply with directions from patrol vessels and event officials while the restrictions are in effect.

Questions about the marine event or this bulletin should be addressed to the COTP Maryland-National Capital Region - Waterways Management Division at 410-576-2596 or 2519, or via email at MDNCRMarineEvents@uscg.mil.