Officials on both sides of the St. Clair River are discouraging the public from participating in Sunday’s float down. In a joint statement issued by the US and Canadian Coast Guard, authorities say the annual unsanctioned event could not only result in serious injures but also contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Kyle Thomas is the officer in charge of the Port Huron Coast Guard Station and tells WPHM the current of the river and the water temperature make the event inherently dangerous.
“The current is moving about 2 to 3 cubic feet per second (beneath) the Blue Water Bridge,” said Thomas. “It’s just over about 70 degrees, that can lead to hypothermia after a few hours of immersion, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.”
Thomas says those who do choose to participate should wear a properly sized Coast Guard approved life jacket, bring oars or paddles with them, and to use a raft that limits your immersion in the water. He adds that an additional complication this year will be the continued border restrictions put in place by the pandemic.
“People who are non essential must be vaccinated to enter Canada through an appropriate border station,” Thosmas told WPHM. “When you throw several thousand people in an international shipping channel on pool toys, the element of risk is very high.”
In 2016, some 1500 float down participants ended up washing ashore in Canada. Thomas says in the event that that happens again, you’ll need identification, money, and a means of communication which should all be kept in a water proof container.
