Temporary Waterway Closure for Hydroplane Race in Maryland

The Coast Guard is issuing a temporary rule to restrict access to a section of the Bush River and Otter Point Creek in Maryland during a high-speed hydroplane race. The restriction applies from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 16 and 17, 2026. The regulated area covers all navigable waters from shoreline to shoreline, bounded to the north by a specific coordinate line and to the south by the Amtrak Railroad Bridge between Perryman and Edgewood.

Why it matters: This is a standard safety measure for high-speed water events. The closure prevents other boats from entering the race course and buffer zones, reducing the risk of collisions at high speeds. It is mostly administrative and localized, but anyone planning to boat, kayak, or fish in that stretch of the Bush River during those dates will need to adjust their plans.

Who it affects

• Recreational boaters and watercraft operators navigating the Bush River and Otter Point Creek between Perryman and Edgewood, MD

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This temporary final rule was published by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Federal Register. Boaters should check the official document for exact coordinate boundaries and enforcement details before making navigation plans.

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