U.S. Coast Guard to Enforce Special Local Regulation for San Diego TriRock Triathlon on San Diego Bay

The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce a special local regulation on a section of San Diego Bay, California, on September 12, 2026, to manage marine traffic during the San Diego TriRock Triathlon. This enforcement action, detailed in the Federal Register, aims to provide a safe environment for the triathlon participants, support vessels, and general users of the waterway from 6:30 a.m. until 9 a.m.

The Regulatory Framework

This temporary restriction falls under 33 CFR 100.1101, which governs special local regulations for annual marine events in the San Diego Captain of the Port Zone. Such regulations are a standard tool utilized by the Coast Guard to temporarily control vessel movement in specific areas during events that may pose a hazard to navigation or public safety. The purpose is to prevent accidents and ensure the orderly conduct of activities on navigable waters.

Specifically, Item No. 8 of Table 1 to Sec. 100.1101 designates the regulated area for the San Diego TriRock Triathlon, encompassing parts of San Diego Bay, including the vicinity of Spanish Landing. This framework allows the Captain of the Port to establish zones where certain activities are prohibited for a defined period.

Details of the Enforcement

During the specified enforcement window, individuals and vessels are explicitly prohibited from anchoring, blocking, loitering, or impeding movement within the regulated area. The only exception to these prohibitions is for those who receive explicit authorization from the Captain of the Port for San Diego or their designated representative. This measure ensures that the swim portion of the triathlon can proceed without interference from unauthorized marine traffic, thereby safeguarding competitors and official personnel.

To ensure compliance and effective management, the Coast Guard may enlist the assistance of other federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies. This multi-agency approach is common in managing large-scale marine events, pooling resources to maintain safety and order on the water. Lieutenant Skye Eastman of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego is identified as a point of contact for further information regarding this enforcement.

Communication and Flexibility

The Coast Guard is committed to informing the maritime community about these temporary restrictions. In addition to publication in the Federal Register, mariners will receive notification through the Local Notice to Mariners and Marine Safety Information Broadcasting. These channels are crucial for disseminating timely information to those who operate vessels in the affected area.

Furthermore, the regulation includes a provision for flexibility. The Captain of the Port Sector San Diego, or a designated representative, retains the authority to determine if the regulated area no longer requires enforcement for the full stated duration. Should conditions permit an earlier lifting of the restrictions, this information would be communicated to the public through a Safety Marine Information Broadcast or other channels coordinated with the event sponsor. This demonstrates a practical approach, balancing safety requirements with the minimal possible disruption to regular waterway usage.

Implications for Waterway Users

For recreational and commercial mariners operating in San Diego Bay, this enforcement means a temporary but absolute restriction within the designated triathlon course. Mariners planning to transit or utilize the waters near Spanish Landing on the morning of September 12, 2026, must be aware of these regulations and plan alternative routes or adjust their schedules accordingly. Non-compliance could result in penalties and create hazardous situations for event participants. The primary implication is the temporary preemption of general navigation rights in favor of public safety for a specific event.