Viewing fireworks on the water July 4? Low tides will impact Tacoma’s boat launch hours
Tacoma will once again be hosting the city’s annual Tacoma Summer Blast Independence Day event next week.
The event, hosted by Metro Parks Tacoma, will be held at two waterfront locations on Ruston Way – Cummings Park and Dune Peninsula. More than 150 vendors, eight performing artists and two beer gardens will be set up across both waterfront locations. The festivities will be capped off with a 20-minute fireworks show at 10 p.m. on the water.
Stacia Glenn, public information officer with Metro Parks Tacoma, has information on what boat riders should know to get the best view of the show from a safe distance.
Where are the fireworks set off?
Metro Parks says on its event page that the fireworks are being set off about 3,000 feet offshore from Cummings Park for safety reasons. She adds that water vessels can get a good view from almost anywhere on the water in Tacoma.
The closer you’re boating to the shores of Stadium District and Old Town, the clearer the view. The best spots to see the fireworks will be on the water along Ruston Way, particularly along the stretch spanning Dune Peninsula Park to Jack Hyde Park.
Point Defiance boat launch
If you’re planning to get on the water on Tuesday, be sure to plan ahead accordingly, as a record-low tide is expected to impact marina operations.
The water level is expected to surpass 4 feet below the average level around noon on July 4, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. In response, Metro Parks Tacoma is suspending boat lift operations at its marina from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Glenn advises people to get on the water early in the day or expect to wait later on in the afternoon.
The boat launch opens every day at 4:30 a.m. Boaters looking to get into the water around sundown should also keep in mind that the park’s boat launch won’t have extended hours on the Fourth of July. The marina will still be open after the fireworks show, but park staff won’t be available to assist boaters past 9:15 p.m.
Boating safety on July 4
Metro Parks has tips for boaters to stay safe on the water through July 4.
Vessels must be at least 1,500 feet away from the fireworks barge. Any boaters that enter the vicinity will be issued penalties by the U.S. Coast Guard. The show will also be forced to stop if anyone gets too close.
A log boom won’t be available. Floats will be closed all day at the Silver Cloud Inn, and Old Town Dock won’t be open.
All boat passengers must follow Washington’s guidelines regarding life jackets. Children ages 12 and under must wear a jacket if they’re on a vessel 19 feet in length or shorter. This rule doesn’t apply if the boat is in a fully enclosed area. The Point Defiance Marina Store sells life jackets and is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
