St. Clair River to be closed for Port Huron Float Down

News Release

August 11, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 9th District Great Lakes Contact: Lt. Ben Chamberlain Office: (313) 701-6016

St. Clair River to be closed for Port Huron Float Down

 Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version of the video and stills. 

PORT HURON, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard and multiple state and local agencies are advising the boating public that the St. Clair River is scheduled to be closed to all motor vessel traffic between noon and 8 p.m., Aug. 20, 2017, during the un-sanctioned marine event known as the Port Huron Float Down.

The U.S. Coast Guard will establish a temporary regulation requiring minors under the age of 18 to wear life jackets during the event due to the high number of rafters expected to transit the 7.5 mile course on the St. Clair River between Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, Michigan, and Chrysler Beach in Marysville, Michigan.

Float Down poses significant and unusual hazards given the fast-moving current, large number of participants, lack of life jackets, alcohol consumption, potentially challenging weather conditions, water temperature, and limited rescue resources.  

Those who intend to participate, despite local, state, federal, and international safety advisories, are strongly encouraged to take safety precautions. For a list of safety recommendations, please look at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit’s Facebook page for a number of ways to improve your plan.

All traffic requesting to enter the safety zone must receive approval from the patrol commander, Coast Guard Station Port Huron, via VHF channel 21A.

For additional information, contact Lt. Jodie Knox or Lt. Ben Chamberlain, the public affairs officers for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, at (313) 701-6016.

-USCG-