1.3-Mile 'Swim Across the Potomac River' Scheduled for July 8

     Alexandria, Va. -- Mariners are advised that the “Swim Across the Potomac River” is scheduled to occur in the Potomac River on Sunday, July 8, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Approximately 250 participants will swim across the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland on a 1.3-mile linear course located downriver of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial (I-95/I-495) Bridge.

     The start is located along the shore at North Point at Jones Point Park and the finish is located along the shore at National Harbor Marina. A portion of the swim course will cross the federal navigation channel. The Coast Guard has established a regulated area for all waters of the Potomac River, within lines connecting the following positions: from 38°47’35” N, longitude 077°02’22” W, thence to latitude 38°47’12” N, longitude 077°00’57” W, and from latitude 38°47’24” N, longitude 077°03’03” W to latitude 38°46’54” N, longitude 077°01’09” W.

     The regulated area will be enforced from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 8, 2012. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on certain waters of the Potomac River. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHFFM channel 16 or 22A. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.

     Mariners are  urged to schedule their transits on this waterway beyond the enforcement times. The swimmers will be supported by sponsorprovided watercraft. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12289.