[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 30, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 35835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-14396]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[Docket No. USCG-2025-0659]
Special Local Regulation, Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane
Race
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notification of enforcement of regulation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard will enforce the special local regulations for
the Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.,
each day from July 31, 2025, through August 3, 2025, to provide for the
safety of life on navigable waterways during this event. The regulation
for this event identifies the regulated area on Lake Washington,
Seattle, Washington. During the enforcement periods, vessels and
persons in the regulated area must comply with the lawful directions
from the Coast Guard designated Patrol Commander, the established Coast
Guard patrol, and any federal, state, and local law enforcement
agencies assisting the Patrol Commander.
DATES: The regulations in 33 CFR 100.1301 will be enforced from 8 a.m.
until 5 p.m., each day, from July 31, 2025, through August 3, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
notification of enforcement, call or email Lieutenant Anthony Pinto,
U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Puget Sound, Waterways Management Division; by
telephone 206-217-6051, or email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard will enforce the special
local regulation in 33 CFR 100.1301 for the Seattle Seafair Unlimited
Hydroplane Race from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., each day, on July 31, 2025
through August 3, 2025. This action is being taken to provide for the
safety of life on navigable waterways during this event. The regulation
for this event, 33 CFR 100.1301(b), specifies the location of the
regulated area for the Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race which
encompasses portions of Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington. The
regulated area is divided into two zones. The zones are separated by a
line perpendicular from the I-90 Bridge to the northwest corner of the
East log boom and a line extending from the southeast corner of the
East log boom to the southeast corner of the hydroplane race-course and
then to the northerly tip of Ohlers Island in Andrews Bay. The western
zone is designated Zone I, the eastern zone, Zone II. The Coast Guard
will maintain a patrol consisting of Coast Guard vessels, assisted by
Auxiliary Coast Guard vessels in Zone II. The Coast Guard patrol of
this area is under the direction of the Coast Guard Patrol Commander
(Patrol Commander). The Patrol Commander is empowered to control the
movement of vessels on the race-course and in the adjoining waters
during the periods this regulation is in effect. The Patrol Commander
may be assisted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement
agencies.
Only authorized vessels may be allowed to enter Zone I during the
hours this regulation is in effect. Vessels in the vicinity of Zone I
shall maneuver and anchor as directed by Coast Guard Officers or Petty
Officers.
During the times in which the regulation is in effect, swimming,
wading, or otherwise entering the water in Zone I by any person is
prohibited while hydroplane boats are on the race-course. At other
times in Zone I, any person entering the water from the shoreline shall
remain west of the swim line, denoted by buoys, and any person entering
the water from the log boom shall remain within ten (10) feet of the
log boom.
During the times in which the regulation is in effect, any person
swimming or otherwise entering the water in Zone II shall remain within
ten (10) feet of a vessel.
During the times this regulation is in effect, rafting to a log
boom will be limited to groups of three (3) vessels.
During the times this regulation is in effect, up to six (6)
vessels may raft together in Zone II if none of the vessels are secured
to a log boom.
During the times this regulation is in effect, only vessels
authorized by the Patrol Commander, other law enforcement agencies, or
event sponsors shall be permitted to tow other watercraft of inflatable
devices.
Vessels proceeding in either Zone I or Zone II during the hours
this regulation is in effect shall do so only at speeds which will
create minimum wake, seven (7) miles per hour or less. This maximum
speed may be reduced at the discretion of the Patrol Commander.
Upon completion of the daily racing activities, all vessels leaving
either Zone I or Zone II shall proceed at speeds of seven (7) miles per
hour or less. The maximum speed may be reduced at the discretion of the
Patrol Commander.
A succession of sharp, short signals by whistle or horn from
vessels controlling the areas under the direction of the Patrol
Commander shall serve as signal to stop. Vessels signaled shall stop
and shall comply with lawful orders of the patrol vessel; failure to do
so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to
comply, or both.
The Coast Guard may be assisted by other federal, state, and local
law enforcement agencies, as well as official Seafair event craft.
In addition to this notification of enforcement in the Federal
Register, the Coast Guard plans to provide notification of this
enforcement period via marine information broadcasts, and Local Notice
to Mariners.
Dated: July 23, 2025.
Mark A. McDonnell,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Puget Sound.
[FR Doc. 2025-14396 Filed 7-29-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P