government
July 4 fireworks shut down parts of New York Harbor
The Coast Guard is setting temporary boat rules for the East River and Upper New York Bay as barges launch fireworks near Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.
The Coast Guard is creating a temporary safety zone for July 4 fireworks in New York Harbor. It will limit boat traffic near the launch areas from the late afternoon on July 4 through July 5.
- Covers parts of the East River and Upper New York Bay
- Creates spectator and exclusion zones around fireworks barges
- Runs July 4-5, with enforcement on July 4 unless postponed
- The Coast Guard is putting a temporary special local regulation, or SLR, over parts of the East River and Upper New York Bay in New York Harbor
- The rule controls vessel movement, creates spectator zones and sets an exclusion zone near the launch sites so fireworks barges and nearby boat traffic do not mix
The Coast Guard is putting a temporary special local regulation, or SLR, over parts of the East River and Upper New York Bay in New York Harbor. The rule controls vessel movement, creates spectator zones and sets an exclusion zone near the launch sites so fireworks barges and nearby boat traffic do not mix.
It takes effect from 4 p.m. on July 4, 2026, through 11:30 p.m. on July 5, with enforcement from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4 unless the display is postponed to July 5.
What stays clear of the barges
Boats are barred from the moving protection zones around transiting fireworks barges unless the Captain of the Port, Sector New York, or a designated representative specifically authorizes entry. For anyone planning to be on the water near Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn, the message is simple: the harbor will be busy, but not open season.