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

Coast Guard Sector New York LogoNEW YORK – The U.S. Coast Guard will establish and enforce regulated areas on the East River for the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display on Thursday.

All spectator boats may enter the designated viewing areas beginning at 8 p.m., and access to the designated areas will be closed by 9 p.m., Thursday.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:25 p.m. Boats will be required to hold position, not at anchor, and not depart the designated viewing area until released by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or a COTP designated representative. This information will be broadcasted via VHF-FM Channel 13 and 16.

Tugs, tows and commercial vessels not observing the fireworks must remain outside of the regulated area no later than 6:30 p.m.

All boats 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, Captain of the Port of 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.”

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

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

  • ALPHA Section (Northernmost viewing area): Vessels less than or equal to 65 feet in length may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. This designated section is defined by a line drawn from Grand Street, Manhattan, to 8th Street, Brooklyn, and a line drawn from the northeast most corner of Pier 42, Manhattan, to Little Street, Brooklyn.
  • BRAVO Section (Northern viewing area): This zone is adjacent to the Interior Division Section. Vessels over 65 feet in length may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated section. This designated section is defined by a line drawn from the northeast most corner of Pier 42, Manhattan, to Little Street, Brooklyn, and a line drawn from Jefferson Street, Manhattan, to Pearl Street, Brooklyn.
  • INTERIOR DIVISION/CHARLIE Section (Barge Display area): No vessel movements are authorized in this section after 6:00 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 made up of all waters south of a line drawn from Jefferson Street, Manhattan, to Pearl Street, Brooklyn, and north of a line drawn from Battery Park, Manhattan, to the Governors Island Ferry Slip, and Governors Island, to Pier 8, Brooklyn. 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.
  • DELTA Section (Western viewing area): This zone is adjacent to the Interior Division Section. All vessels over 65 feet in length may view the fireworks on all waters of this designated area. This zone is defined by a line drawn from Battery Park, Manhattan, south to the Governors Island Ferry Slip, then south along the shoreline of Governors Island to its southernmost point, then north to position 40°42’2.8″W, 074° 01’39.5”N, and then east to the point of origin, Battery Park, Manhattan.
  • ECHO Section (Southernmost viewing area): All vessels less than 65 feet in length may view the fireworks in this designated viewing area. This zone is defined by a line drawn from the Battery Tunnel Ventilator, Governors Island, to Pier 8, Brooklyn, and a line drawn from the southernmost point of Governors Island to Red Hook Point, Brooklyn.

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.


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