Several of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers’ busiest boating corridors will be closed to recreational boaters and kayakers during the Fourth of July holiday, the US Coast Guard said — a move that is already drawing frustration from many who had planned to celebrate on the water.
In a June 16 notice, the Coast Guard said it will bar recreational vessel traffic on the Potomac between Key Bridge and an area about 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge, beginning the morning of July 2 and continuing until the morning of July 5. The shutdown is part of a broad security plan tied to what President Trump has said will be the largest fireworks show in history for America’s 250th anniversary.
Commercial ferries and dinner cruise boats will be allowed through parts of the restricted areas during limited windows, though they will not be permitted to operate there on the morning of July 3 or from noon until midnight on July 4.
A section of the Anacostia River near the Frederick Douglass Bridge is also slated to close on Independence Day.
For some in the boating community, the news landed like a sudden change in tide.
The holiday has long been a major draw on the water, with families booking marina slips months ahead of time, charter companies relying on the surge in demand and thousands of spectators gathering by boat to watch the fireworks. Each year, the Potomac has become a floating celebration filled with music, food, friendship and a patriotic wash of red, white and blue.
“These closures are beyond unreasonable,” one person wrote on social media.
“That’s f’ed up,” another commenter added.
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“This is my first summer having a boat. These were my literal plans this year,” lamented a disappointed skipper.
And don’t expect to quietly drop anchor inside the restricted zone.
According to the Coast Guard, violators could face civil penalties of up to $11,162.
The restrictions are part of an extensive security operation surrounding President Trump’s promised July 4 celebration at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — which he vowed on Truth Social will conclude with “the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.”
The festivities are also affecting air travel.
The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority said that no aircraft will arrive at or depart from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after noon on July 4.
In New York, boaters should also expect restrictions.
Macy’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks show will return to both the lower East River and lower Hudson River this year, and the U.S. Coast Guard has already issued Marine Safety Information Bulletins outlining temporary waterway restrictions, safety zones and operational guidance in and around New York Harbor from July 1 through July 9.
They recommend boaters check the notices often to stay up to date on restrictions.
In announcing the event, Macy’s said the dual-river display would create “a shared experience that connects more communities than ever. Not only will the show mark America’s 250th birthday, it will also honor the retailer’s 50th year of July 4th fireworks celebrations.
