Roughly 1,350 people took part in this year’s unsanctioned Port Huron Float Down, and while the event ended without any reported injuries, emergency responders still assisted about 250 participants. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office says many of those situations could have been prevented.
Responders provided everything from minor assistance to water rescues throughout Sunday’s event. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the most common problems involved participants not wearing life jackets, using inexpensive or unreliable flotation devices, failing to bring a paddle or method of steering, or becoming separated from the group they arrived with.
Port Huron Police Sergeant Travis Reed described the Float Down as “a quiet day on the water,” saying the department responded to no injuries or rescues.
A U.S. Coast Guard petty officer told WPHM News that strong west winds occasionally pushed some participants into Canadian waters. Those individuals were safely guided back to the U.S. side.
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office says a more detailed summary of the event will be released after participating agencies complete their review.
