Some of the most popular boating stretches on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers will be off-limits to recreational boaters and kayakers over the Fourth of July holiday, the US Coast Guard announced — and many water lovers are already making waves over the restrictions.
Under a June 16 advisory, the Coast Guard is closing the Potomac from Key Bridge to roughly 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge to recreational water traffic, from the morning of July 2 through the morning of July 5 — as part of an extensive security operation surrounding what President Trump has promised will be the largest fireworks display in history for America’s 250th anniversary.
Commercial ferries and dinner cruises will be permitted to transit portions of the restricted zones at certain times — but not during the morning of July 3 or from noon to midnight on Independence Day itself.
The Anacostia River near the Frederick Douglass Bridge will also be closed on July 4.
The announcement left some boaters feeling adrift.
For years, families have reserved slips months in advance, charter operations have counted on holiday crowds and thousands of revelers have gathered on the water to watch fireworks, turning the Potomac into a floating party of camaraderie, music and food — all decked out in a patriotic sea of red, white and blue.
“These closures are beyond unreasonable,” one social media commenter wrote.
“That’s f’ed up,” added another.
“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.