SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce navigation regulations on Lake Washington from July 30-Aug. 2, to protect participants, spectators and vessels during the Seattle Seafair Weekend Festival.
To ensure safety on Lake Washington, the Coast Guard is enforcing two distinct waterway regulations s:
- Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) (§ 165.1341): Active daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 30-Aug. 2. All vessels in this designated portion of Lake Washington must operate at a slow, minimum wake speed of 7 mph or less. A slightly higher speed is permitted if necessary to maintain steerage.
- Safety Zone (§ 165.1319): Active from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 30-Aug. 2. This zone encompasses the waters of Lake Washington west of Mercer Island between the Interstate 90 bridge and the easternmost point of Bailey Peninsula, including Andrews Bay.
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- Except for official support vessels, crafts registered with the event organizers, or other vessels authorized by the Captain of the Port, no unauthorized vessels may enter or remain in the safety zone without permission from the Coast Guard. Mariners can request authorization via VHF-FM Channel 16.
More information and exact GPS coordinates can be found in the Local Notice to Mariners at www.navcen.uscg.gov.
"Our top priority is to ensure the thousands of people on Lake Washington can enjoy Seafair safely," said Lt. Cmdr. Emily Trudeau, chief of enforcement for Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. "We are working hand-in-hand with state and local partners to maintain an active presence on the water. We need boaters to do their part by adhering to the safety zone, watching their speeds, keeping a sharp lookout and operating sober."
For questions about these enforcement actions, contact the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Waterways Management Division at SectorPugetSoundWWM@uscg.mil.
The Coast Guard urges all attendees to follow boating safety best practices:
- Always wear a life jacket. Vessels must carry a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for every passenger.
- Keep reliable communication gear ready. A functioning VHF-FM marine radio provides a direct line to rescue crews. Channel 16 is for hailing and distress.
- Observe vessel capacity limits. Overloading a boat compromises stability and increases the risk of capsizing.
- Boat sober. Operating any vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous.
- Prepare for cold water exposure. Lake Washington’s water can cause hypothermia. Paddleboarders, kayakers and personal watercraft users should wear life jackets.
- File a float plan. Before getting underway, tell a trusted contact your route, passenger count and expected return time.