'The risks are real': Coast Guard urges people not to participate in Sunday's Float Down

Large crowds are expected to descend on the St. Clair River Sunday for the Port Huron Float Down, despite warnings from officials in both the U.S. and Canada.

The unsanctioned event, held every year, will see thousands of people float down the St. Clair River on various floatation devices, starting at Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron and ending at Chrysler Beach in Marysville.

The United States Coast Guard has issued a memo stating it will set up a "temporary safe zone" on the river that day in hopes of preventing accidents.

Every year the Float Down draws condemnation from the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards due to the risks.

"Medical emergencies, people drifting across the international border, and people trespassing on residential property when trying to get out of the water before the designated finish line are some of the numerous difficulties encountered during the float down event," the U.S. Coast Guard wrote in its memo announcing the temporary safe zone.

According to the memo, no one has stepped forward to represent the Float Down in discussions or to officially announce the event to the Coast Guard.

As part of their efforts, the U.S. Coast Guard reminded members of the public of previous incidents: In 2014 a man drowned while participating in the Float Down. In 2016 strong winds blew many of the participants into Canada without their passports or other key documents.

A joint statement from the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards urged people not to participate, but if they do, to take the following precautions:

• 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.

"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," the statement said.

"This is an inherently dangerous activity. As first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard recommend that people do not take part in this event."

The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office encouraged people to have fun, but to prioritize safety during the Float Down.

"While it is a fun activity, a great way to cool down, and a unique way to see the shoreline, safety is of utmost importance," the news release said.

Traffic along the river will be stopped during the Float Down, though the news release warns it will promptly reopen at 7 pm.

Marysville police Lt. Jay Stover said officers would be coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard in case there is a need to help anyone attempting to land at Chrysler Beach. He said no road closures were planned for the event.

The National Weather Service expects Sunday to have temperatures of up to 76 degrees with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office warns prolonged exposure even to warm water can cause hypothermia.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: 'The risks are real': Coast Guard urges people not to participate in Sunday's Float Down