The Coast Guard will shut down parts of Chincoteague Inlet for the annual pony swim
What happened
The Coast Guard is creating a temporary restricted zone in the waters around Assateague, Chincoteague, and Wallops Islands. This means non-participants will need permission to enter, transit, or anchor in these areas during the 100th Annual Pony Roundup, Swim & Auction.
Why it matters
Every year, the wild ponies of Assateague Island swim across the channel to Chincoteague Island, where some are auctioned off. This event draws thousands of spectators by boat. The Coast Guard is making sure that the 100th anniversary of this tradition goes smoothly and safely, by controlling boat traffic around the swim route.
The signal
Watch for any reports of disruptions or safety incidents during the event, which would indicate whether the temporary regulation was effective.