The Metropolitan Police Department has issued a notice regarding restrictions for watercraft activity on the Potomac River during the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Set to ensure safety during the festivities, the guidelines specify anchorage and navigational limits effective from 9 a.m. on July 4 until 9 a.m. the following day. Boaters are advised to plan accordingly to accommodate the altered waterway access between the 14th Street Bridge and the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge.
An anchored zone will be available north of the 14th Street Bridge on the east side of the Potomac River, extending from the bridge complex up to the south of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. However, no boating or anchoring will be permitted in a designated security/safety zone that encompasses a similar area. Outside of the specified zones, watercrafts may anchor but should respect the intermittent travel restrictions that will be in place from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Additional restrictions include a NO WAKE ZONE that will be intermittently enforced from the 14th Street Bridge Complex all the way to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. These measures, expected to last from 9 p.m. on July 4 until 1 a.m. on July 5, aim to minimize waves and ensure the safety of all waterway users during the expected increased boat traffic.
Watercraft operators are required to adhere strictly to these guidelines, being alert for signage and buoys. The MPD emphasizes the importance of life jackets or personal flotation devices, recommending that operators and passengers wear them at all times on the water. MPD also cautions against drinking and operating a watercraft, stressing the need for sober boating.
For any additional information or clarification of the waterway restrictions, MPD’s Harbor Patrol Unit can be contacted at 202-727-4582. As the city gears up for the celebrations, residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant; adopting the 'if you see something, say something' approach to report any suspicious activities or emergencies by dialing 911.
