A security zone for the NFL Draft will force boats out of a large section of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, including vessels normally tied up along the North Shore.Coast Guard officials say no recreational boats will be allowed inside the restricted area at any point during the draft. The zone will be enforced around the clock and uses major landmarks and bridges as boundaries: the Roberto Clemente Bridge on the Allegheny River, the Fort Pitt Bridge on the Monongahela River, and the area near Rivers Casino on the Ohio River.That means boaters will not be able to enter the zone — or even get close enough to view the North Shore during the event.For some, the restrictions are welcome.“It’s a good thing and a bad,” said boater Roy Sparrow. “The good is it’ll finally push the boats out that have been here for years, just taking up free space.”But Sparrow and others say the downside is losing the chance to celebrate from the water, as boaters often do during major concerts and Steelers games.Coast Guard Lt. Lionel Babin said law enforcement will be actively patrolling the area throughout the draft.“During the enforcement periods, all recreational vessels are not going to be permitted inside the security zone,” Babin said.He added that unauthorized boaters could be stopped, escorted out, or fined.There is one notable exception: the Gateway Clipper will still operate and serve as a shuttle for the draft. Other popular river attractions, including Cruisin’ Tikis, often seen near Point State Park, will not be able to run under the restrictions.Some boaters are already adjusting their plans. Sparrow said they will likely dock near the Convention Center, then walk along the Riverwalk to the Point, and then make their way to the North Shore for the draft.”It’ll be kind of a bummer because, like, today is a 75-degree day,” Sparrow said. “But to get past that and enjoy the city for what’s to come, especially with the fountain being lit this year with the new lights, that’s a bonus for a lot of us.”Officials are urging everyone — whether traveling by land or water — to plan ahead now, warning that both river restrictions and road closures could create major disruptions during the NFL Draft.

PITTSBURGH —

A security zone for the NFL Draft will force boats out of a large section of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, including vessels normally tied up along the North Shore.

Coast Guard officials say no recreational boats will be allowed inside the restricted area at any point during the draft. The zone will be enforced around the clock and uses major landmarks and bridges as boundaries: the Roberto Clemente Bridge on the Allegheny River, the Fort Pitt Bridge on the Monongahela River, and the area near Rivers Casino on the Ohio River.

That means boaters will not be able to enter the zone — or even get close enough to view the North Shore during the event.

For some, the restrictions are welcome.

“It’s a good thing and a bad,” said boater Roy Sparrow. “The good is it’ll finally push the boats out that have been here for years, just taking up free space.”

But Sparrow and others say the downside is losing the chance to celebrate from the water, as boaters often do during major concerts and Steelers games.

Coast Guard Lt. Lionel Babin said law enforcement will be actively patrolling the area throughout the draft.

“During the enforcement periods, all recreational vessels are not going to be permitted inside the security zone,” Babin said.

He added that unauthorized boaters could be stopped, escorted out, or fined.

There is one notable exception: the Gateway Clipper will still operate and serve as a shuttle for the draft. Other popular river attractions, including Cruisin’ Tikis, often seen near Point State Park, will not be able to run under the restrictions.

Some boaters are already adjusting their plans. Sparrow said they will likely dock near the Convention Center, then walk along the Riverwalk to the Point, and then make their way to the North Shore for the draft.

“It’ll be kind of a bummer because, like, today is a 75-degree day,” Sparrow said. “But to get past that and enjoy the city for what’s to come, especially with the fountain being lit this year with the new lights, that’s a bonus for a lot of us.”

Officials are urging everyone — whether traveling by land or water — to plan ahead now, warning that both river restrictions and road closures could create major disruptions during the NFL Draft.