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The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone on the Beaufort River as part of the City of Beaufort's Tri-centennial New Years Eve fireworks display scheduled for Saturday from 6 to 6:20 p.m.

To protect the public from the hazards associated with launching fireworks from a barge on the Beaufort River, the Captain of the Port Charleston is establishing a temporary safety zone. The safety zone will encompass all waters of the Beaufort River in the vicinity of the barge within a 500 yard radius located near the Lady Island Swing Bridge. The safety zone will be enforced from 5:30 until 6:50 p.m., Saturday.

All persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to Coast Guard Ens. John Santorum at (843) 740-3188 during normal working hours between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. After normal working hours, contact the Captain of the Charleston by telephone at 843-740-7050. All concerned traffic can contact the Coast Guard on the day of the event on VHF-FM Channel 16.