US, Canadian Coast Guard's top tip for Port Huron Float Down: Don't do it

Once again, Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard officials recommend skipping the 2024 Port Huron Float Down event this year, citing the "inherently dangerous activity" could potentially "limit rescue resources" and "create challenging emergency response scenarios."

The annual Port Huron Float Down, which started around 1977, has remained a free event with no official sponsor or organizers. Floaters typically start around 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Beach and end up at Marysville's Chrysler Beach. People are simply invited to float down the St. Clair River on the third Sunday of August, which is this weekend for 2024.

At times, however, the Float Down has been anything but simple. In 2016, Port Huron and St. Clair Shores shelled out $10K to assist event participants stranded in Canada after strong winds carried thousands of people and their floaties past the end of the 7.5-mile course.

Coast Guard officials Marc-André Meunier of Canada and Brad W. Kelly of the U.S. agree that this year, getting stranded isn't the only potential danger posed by the popular, long-running event.

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A joint statement from the organizations read: "High-risk factors such as the fast-moving current, weather conditions, water temperature, the large number of participants, lack of life jackets, alcohol consumption and limited rescue resources can create challenging emergency response scenarios that can result in serious injuries or fatalities. The risks are real."

According to the release, hypothermia is another big concern for attendees as temperatures have recently averaged from 60-66ºF/17-19ºC. In order to reduce the susceptibility of hypothermia and the onset of its symptoms (shivering, loss of coordination, and poor judgment), they ask that attendees limit alcohol consumption.

While they do not recommend participating in this event, as first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard provided a list of several precautions for those who plan to attend.

• Wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard/Transport Canada approved personal flotation device or life jacket at all times. Not wearing a life jacket is a leading cause of drowning-related deaths in Canada and the U.S.
• Bring waterproof bags for personal items and legal identification.
• Bring a paddle. The St. Clair River’s fast-moving current is not suitable for uncontrollable crafts. Paddles will help steer and can also be used as a signaling device.
• File a “Float Plan” with someone not participating in the event, who can report your intentions to first responders in the event you do not check-in at the scheduled time.
• Do not go alone. Use the buddy system, keep an eye on each other, and immediately report any distress to the nearest emergency response representative.
• Do not consume alcohol.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and cold water. Use a raft that limits immersion in the water.
• Stay near shore and remain out of the navigation channel.
• If you’re with a child, consider using a swim tether to ensure the child stays nearby.
• Mark floats with names and contact information (i.e., cell phone number) in waterproof ink. Empty flotation devices signify to first responders someone may be missing.
• Once the course is complete, take all floats when exiting the river to avoid any unnecessary searches.

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