USCG Says Changes Were Necessary
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Safety was the main concern when the United States Coast Guard decided to change the fireworks Safety Zone for the 2007 Regatta/4th of July Celebration. 

“It was a safety call,” said Lt. JG Sara Stewart of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit – Pittsburgh.  She stated that the moving of the fireworks barges from the confluence to the Monongahela side of The Point necessitated the changes in the Safety Zone.

They also wanted three distinct landmarks to define the Safety Zone with.  They feel this will eliminate any confusion by the boaters.  The Safety Zone allows them to, “clearly articulate a boundary” for the boaters to recognize.

As a reminder, the Safety Zone will extend from the Fort Pitt Bridge to the Fort Duquesne Bridge to an imaginary line going from the submarine at the Carnegie Science Center straight across the Ohio River.  This will go into effect from 7:30pm on July 4th until the Fire Marshall opens the river shortly after the fireworks are over. 

The North Shore will be open to boaters up to 7:00 pm on July 4th.  At that time all boats rafted off to the wall will be required to move outside of the Safety Zone.  Boats will then be allowed to tie up once again after the rivers open again.

Unfortunately, the views from the Allegheny River will most likely be the worst of the Three Rivers.  Lt. JG Stewart said they took that into account as they set up the Zone.  They moved the line up on the Ohio River to accommodate more boats and allow them to have a better view.

“What we are losing on the North Shore we are gaining on the Ohio,” said Lt. JG Stewart.

For other river closure information during the Regatta festivities, please visit their website here.

Submitted by: BoatPittsburgh.com Staff

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