The Coast Guard can now ban boats from parts of the Elizabeth River for a race

The Coast Guard is proposing a new rule to temporarily close parts of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia. This would allow them to keep boats and people out of a specific area during a high-speed boat race, ensuring safety.

Local authorities often need to manage public waterways for specific events, but they need clear legal authority to do so. This proposed rule gives the Coast Guard that power for this particular event. It means that for a short time, the public's access to a navigable waterway can be restricted for a private event.