Temporary Safety Zone Around South Padre Island Fireworks Barge

The Coast Guard has created a temporary safety zone around a fireworks barge on the Laguna Madre near South Padre Island, Texas. The zone covers all water within an 800-foot radius of a specific point in the bay. It applies from 8 p.m. to midnight on May 16, 2026.

Why it matters: This is a routine maritime safety measure. It keeps boats, swimmers, and marine life out of the drop zone for falling fireworks debris and hot embers. The practical effect is a temporary closure of a small patch of water for anyone navigating the Laguna Madre during that specific four-hour window.

Who it affects

• Recreational boaters and kayakers planning to use the Laguna Madre on May 16, 2026

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This rule was published by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Federal Register; check the original document for the exact coordinates and contact details before making navigation plans.

Agency: Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard
Source: Federal Register — read the official document