Boaters go ballistic after Coast Guard closes parts of Potomac and Anacostia rivers for Fourth of July

Some of the most popular boating stretches on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers will be off-limits to recreational boaters and kayakers over the Fourth of July holiday, the US Coast Guard announced — and many water lovers are already making waves over the restrictions.Under a June 16 advisory, the Coast Guard is closing the Potomac from Key Bridge to roughly 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge to recreational water traffic, from the morning of July 2 through the morning of July 5 — as part of an extensive security operation surrounding what President Trump has promised will be the largest fireworks display in history for America’s 250th anniversary.Commercial ferries and dinner cruises will be permitted to transit portions of the restricted zones at certain times — but not during the morning of July 3 or from noon to midnight on Independence Day itself.The Anacostia River near the Frederick Douglass Bridge will also be closed on July 4.The announcement left some boaters feeling adrift.For years, families have reserved slips months in advance, charter operations have counted on holiday crowds and thousands of revelers have gathered on the water to watch fireworks, turning the Potomac into a floating party of camaraderie, music and food — all decked out in a patriotic sea of red, white and blue.“These closures are beyond unreasonable,” one social media commenter wrote.“That’s f’ed up,” added another.“This is my first summer having a boat.These were my literal plans this year,” lamented a disappointed skipper.And don’t expect to quietly drop anchor inside the restricted zone.According to the Coast Guard, violators could face civil penalties of up to $11,162.The restrictions are part of an extensive security operation surrounding President Trump’s promised July 4 celebration at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — which he vowed on Truth Social will conclude with “the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.”The festivities ...