03-12550. Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Chesapeake Bay Bridges Swim Races, Chesapeake Bay, MD

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of implementation of regulation.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is implementing the special local regulations at 33 CFR 100.507 during the Twelfth Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Swim Event to be held on June 8, 2003. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters before, during and after the event. The effect will be to restrict general navigation in the regulated area for the safety of participants and support vessels in the event area.

EFFECTIVE DATES:

33 CFR 100.507 is effective from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time on June 8, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ron Houck, Marine Information Specialist, Commander, Coast Guard Activities Baltimore, 2401 Hawkins Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21226-1971, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, Inc. will sponsor the “Great Chesapeake Bay Swim Event” on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay between and adjacent to the spans of the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge. Approximately 600 swimmers will start from Sandy Point State Park and swim between the spans of the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge to the Eastern Shore. A large fleet of support vessels will be accompanying the swimmers. Therefore, to ensure the safety of participants and support vessels, 33 CFR 100.507 will be in effect for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.507, a vessel may not enter the regulated area unless it receives permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Vessel traffic will be allowed to transit the regulated area as the swim progresses, when the Patrol Commander determines it is safe to do so.

In addition to this notice, the maritime community will be provided extensive advance notification via the Local Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, and area newspapers, so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.

Dated: May 13, 2003.

Ben R. Thomason III,

Captain, Coast Guard, Acting Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.