Lighter crowds, no major issues reported during float down

float-down

Authorities say they are thankful float down participants narrowly missed a band of severe thunderstorms storms Sunday. St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, speaking to WPHM, says he had more concerns this year for the event than in years prior, due to both the weather and the record high water levels. He says that likely contributed to the annual event’s below average participation this year, with many floaters opting to get out of the river at Desmond Landing and many others choosing to stay home entirely. About 800 float down participants required help getting ashore, however Donnellon says nobody was cited and nobody required rescue. In total, the sheriff estimates 4,000 to 5,000 people participated in the annual un-sanctioned event.