Crowds are expected to descend on the St. Louis River. Clair Sunday for Port Huron Float Down, despite warnings from officials in the US and Canada.
The unsanctioned event, held annually, will see thousands of people float down the St.
The United States Coast Guard has issued a memo saying it will set up a “temporary safe zone” in the river in hopes of preventing accidents.
Every year Float Down draws condemnation from the US and Canadian Coast Guards because of the risk.
“Medical emergencies, people crossing international borders, and people straying onto residential property while trying to get out of the water before the designated finish line are some of the difficulties encountered during float down events,” the US Coast Guard wrote in the. a memo announcing a temporary safe zone.
According to the memo, no one came forward to represent Float Down in discussions or disclose the event to the Coast Guard.
As part of the efforts, the US Coast Guard reminded members of the public of a previous incident: in 2014 a man drowned while participating in the Float Down. In 2016 strong winds blew many participants into Canada without passports or other important documents.
A joint statement from the US and Canadian Coast Guards urges people not to participate, but if they do, to take precautions:
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Wear a US Coast Guard/Transport Canada approved personal flotation device or life jacket at all times. Not wearing a life jacket is the leading cause of drowning-related deaths in Canada and the US
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Bring a waterproof bag for personal items and legal identification.
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Bring an oar. Current of the St. The fast-moving Clair is not suitable for uncontrollable craft. Paddles will help with steering and can also be used as a signaling device.
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File a “Floating Plan” with someone not attending the event, who can report your intentions to first responders if you don’t arrive at the scheduled time.
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Don’t go alone. Use the buddy system, keep an eye on each other, and immediately report distress to the nearest emergency response representative.
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Do not drink alcohol.
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Appropriate clothing for cold weather and water. Use a raft that limits immersion in the water.
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Stay close to shore and stay out of the navigation channel.
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If you are with a child, consider using a swim tether to ensure the child stays close.
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Floating marker with name and contact information (ie, cell phone number) in waterproof ink. An empty flotation device indicates that first responders are missing.
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After the course is over, take all the floats when you leave the river to avoid unnecessary searches.
“High risk factors such as fast currents, weather conditions, water temperature, large number of participants, lack of life jackets, alcohol consumption, and limited rescue resources can create an emergency response scenario that could result in serious injury or fatality. . The risks are real. ,” the statement said.
“This is a dangerous activity. As first responders, the US Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard recommend that people not participate in this event.”
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office encourages people to have fun, but prioritize safety during Float Down.
“While this is a fun activity, a great way to cool off, and a unique way to see the coastline, safety is paramount,” the press release said.
Traffic along the river will be halted during Float Down, although a news release warns that it will reopen at 7 p.m.
Marysville Police Lt. Jay Stover said officers will coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard if necessary to assist anyone attempting to enter Chrysler Beach. He said no road closures are planned for the event.
The National Weather Service expects temperatures to reach 76 degrees Sunday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office warns prolonged exposure to even warm water can cause hypothermia.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in the Port Huron Times Herald: Coast Guard urges people not to participate in Sunday’s Port Huron Float Down.