PORT HURON, Mich. – Thousands are expected to head to the St. Clair River on Sunday for the annual Port Huron Float Down.
On the third Sunday in August of each year, people come together from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. to swim or sit on floats along the St. Clair River.
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The Port Huron Float Down is expected to happen on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the event poses a great danger to people on the 7.5-mile course. High risk factors include the fast-moving current, weather conditions, water temperature, large number of participants, lack of life jackets and alcohol consumption.
The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards emphasized that people should not take part in this event and called it “an inherently dangerous activity.” Those who choose to participate are urged 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.
- 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 that someone may be missing.
- Once the course is complete, take all floats when exiting the river to avoid any unnecessary searches.
The U.S. Coast Guard said a 19-year-old experienced swimmer drowned during the event in 2014. A significant search and rescue effort was suspended after 36 hours.
In 2016, the Coast Guard said about 1,500 people needed help after they landed on the Canadian shoreline at Sarnia and Corunna, Ontario, leaving them stranded and subject to border security with no identification, money or means of communication. Some reportedly had been injured and suffered from hypothermia.
“The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, supported by many federal, state, provincial, and local agencies, are highly trained, but have limited resources,” said the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard in a joint statement. “We embrace this responsibility, but cannot be everywhere at once. We rely on waterway users to look out for one another, act responsibly, wear life jackets, and refrain from alcohol consumption while on the water to improve the likelihood they return home safely.”
Vessel traffic restrictions will be in effect on Aug. 17, 2025, under the authority of Transport Canada from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. due to the risk of a motorized vessel colliding with a floater.