The United States Coast Guard has issued a temporary final rule establishing a safety zone in the navigable waters surrounding the Mackinac Bridge in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan. This measure, effective for a five-hour period on July 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to noon, is designed to ensure the safety of participants in a significant swim event, personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. The rule prohibits unauthorized entry into a 100-yard radius of the bridge's center span during the designated timeframe, underscoring federal authorities' commitment to managing potential risks during large-scale water activities.
The Purpose Behind the Temporary Zone
This temporary safety zone is a direct response to an anticipated marine event involving approximately 400 swimmers. An organization formally notified the Coast Guard in August 2025 about its plan to conduct a swim from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace, along the east side of the Mackinac Bridge. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Northern Great Lakes determined that the presence of such a large number of swimmers in the active shipping lane could pose significant safety concerns for all involved. Potential hazards include collisions between vessels and swimmers, risks to support personnel, and environmental protection during the event. The establishment of this zone under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70034 is a preventative action, aiming to eliminate these risks by creating a clear, protected area for the duration of the swim.
Scope and Enforcement of the Safety Zone
The defined safety zone encompasses all navigable waters, from surface to bottom, within a 100-yard radius of the center span of the Mackinac Bridge, connecting St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. During its enforcement period, no vessel or person will be permitted to enter this designated area unless they receive specific authorization from the COTP Sector Northern Great Lakes or their designated representative. A designated representative can include a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, coxswain, petty officer, or any federal, state, or local officer assisting the COTP in enforcing the zone. Those seeking permission to enter the zone are instructed to contact the COTP or their representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone, and all individuals within the zone must comply with lawful orders from these authorities.
Regulatory Process and Public Engagement
The regulatory process for this temporary rule began with the publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on May 5, 2026, titled 'Safety Zone; Straits of Mackinac, Mackinaw City, MI' (91 FR 24147). This NPRM detailed the Coast Guard's rationale for the proposed action and solicited public comments. The comment period concluded on June 4, 2026. Notably, the Coast Guard reported receiving no comments on the proposed rule. As a result, the regulatory text of this temporary final rule remains unchanged from what was originally proposed. This lack of public feedback suggests a general acceptance of the necessity and scope of the safety zone among the affected parties.
Analysis of Economic and Environmental Impact
In its regulatory analyses, the Coast Guard considered several statutes and executive orders. Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, which requires federal agencies to assess the impact of regulations on small entities, the Coast Guard certified that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. While some small entities, such as recreational boaters or small commercial operators, may typically transit the area, the Coast Guard concluded that the impact would be minimal. This determination is based on several factors: the safety zone affects only a small, designated area for a few hours, vessels can safely transit around it, and the Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF FM marine channel 16, allowing small entities to adjust their plans. Furthermore, the rule explicitly allows vessels to request permission to enter the zone from the COTP, providing a pathway for necessary transit.
Additional analyses confirmed that the rule does not require a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. It is consistent with the federalism principles outlined in Executive Order 13132 and does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175. The Coast Guard also certified that the rule would not result in an annual expenditure of $100,000,000 or more under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Environmentally, the rule was categorically excluded from further review under the National Environmental Policy Act, as it falls under a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, specifically recognized as a safety zone.
