a hundredth Chincoteague Pony Swim set for tomorrow morning

This yr’s Chincoteague Pony Swim is shaping as much as be historic and extremely safe. As the long-lasting occasion celebrates its a hundredth anniversary, officers have introduced new restrictions geared toward maintaining crowds and ponies protected.

Due to a reputable on-line risk, attendees can anticipate tighter safety than ever. Coolers, umbrellas, and backpacks at the moment are banned from viewing areas and occasion grounds. Only clear plastic baggage and small clutches are allowed, and all objects are topic to look.

Chincoteague officers urge guests to reach early and pack gentle to keep away from delays.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a short lived regulation closing elements of the Assateague Channel and surrounding waterways to unauthorized boats. From July 26 via August 1, solely authorized vessels will likely be allowed within the space. This is to make sure security throughout the swim and elevated marine site visitors tied to the centennial celebration.

The swim itself is ready for Wednesday, July 30, and is predicted to happen between 7 and 9 a.m. at slack low tide with the horse public sale the next day at 8 a.m. on the carnival grounds and the return swim on Friday. Low tide is predicted to be at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, so the swim ought to be throughout the early a part of the window.

With greater crowds anticipated and new guidelines in place, this yr’s occasion will look a little bit completely different—however the magic of the Chincoteague ponies stays the identical.

WESR’s Allen Hamilton will likely be on the pony swim and the public sale on Thursday offering updates of the actions starting at roughly 6:30 a.m.