Port Huron Float Down

08/19/2019

Glad to hear good fortune prevailed, but it was definitely a close call. Official estimates place the 2019 Float Down at 5500 participants. We would like everyone to continue to use their best judgment in the future and think safety first. We would like to thank the many agencies that worked so hard to keep everyone safe once again, on both sides of the river. The fury and power of nature must always be respected. Set good examples - be clean, be safe! And enjoy the rest of your Summer!

Thank you

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

08/18/2019

UPDATE: Timetable has moved up
Storms expected by 3pm
We strongly advise against entering the water

There's always next year
UPDATE: Weather Maps indicate potential hail and flash flooding for our area
With strong south winds you may find yourself stuck in the middle of it

08/17/2019

Sorry to say it folks but the weather isn't looking ideal for this year. South / SouthWest winds will slow progress down, create big waves, and also there's thunderstorms in the forecast. Even if it's clear at launch time, you must remember how long it will take to complete the trip, especially with a South Wind.
Please don't enter the water if the conditions are not ideal.

08/16/2019

Keep an eye on the weather everyone! If it looks like it is going to be unsafe, use your best judgement and DON'T enter the water. Remember a South wind will make the trip LONGER than usual.

Check the forecast before leaving in the morning

Here's the current hourly forecast for Sunday morning

WEAR. YOUR. LIFEJACKET. - no matter WHAT the forecast calls for!

08/16/2019

For everyone concerned about the beach: it has re-opened!

08/16/2019

Information about parking

Launch your raft from our beach or come watch the floaters from the beautiful lighthouse grounds! As a bonus, we'll provide free air filling services for those that pay to park at the Fort Gratiot Light Station. Porta potties will be provided for a last minute rest stop. Trailer Parking - Please not...

08/13/2019

I reminder to all our friends in the boating community: Just like every other year for the past 10 years, the St. Clair River will be shut down to boat traffic during the Float Down. If you plan on going out, go out early and expect to stay out late (or use the Canal by Holland if that is an available option for you).

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/07/18/2019-15282/safety-zone-port-huron-float-down-st-clair-river-port-huron-mi

08/12/2019

Also: WEAR. YOUR. LIFEJACKET.

The Friends of the St. Clair River is asking the thousands of people expected at the 42nd annual Port Huron Float Down to keep it clean with its “A Clean

08/11/2019

"Some of these warnings are also echoed on the official Port Huron Float Down website, but not to the same degree. "

No disrespect Narcity Canada, but the #1 thing on the Float Down website says "1. WEAR A LIFE JACKET OR PFD
THIS IS IMPORTANT. ALWAYS."

We would recommend EVERYONE actually read the Float Down Website.

A 19-year-old died at the same event in 2014.

08/08/2019

Post it in groups and on walls
Send it in messages
Get the word out, it's up to you!

PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

1. WEAR A LIFE JACKET OR PFD
THIS IS IMPORTANT. ALWAYS.
2. USE A RELIABLE RAFT OR FLOAT
One that will keep you dry and out of the water preferably, DON’T GO HUGE.
3. STAY OUT OF THE SHIPPING CHANNEL
You vs. a Ship, you will lose every time
4. DON’T LAND IN CANADA
That’s the East shore. Stay to the West.
5. THE TRIP IS LONG
Will take 2-3 hours in good weather, 6 hours in other. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
6. DO NOT BRING SMALL CHILDREN
Or anyone/thing else that cannot swim well. This includes pets.
7. LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME!
You’re only asking to lose them otherwise.
8. OBEY ALL LAWS. Do not exit on private property unless invited.
9. ARRANGE YOUR OWN RIDES
Ahead of time! Have someone pick you up at the finish, or have a vehicle staged nearby. There is no official transportation.
10. YOU ARE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
There are no organizers or life guards. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

As a floater this is what you must know. The float down is not an official or sanctioned event. There are no organizers and no safety providers. It is a spontaneous gathering of people floating independently on a traditionally set annual date. As such there is no set start time and no one to register with. Your safety and your planning, should you choose to enter the water are entirely your responsibility. This page exists solely as a community service to provide safety information to people who choose to float. Please visit the float down website for more information www.porthuronfloatdown.com

08/08/2019

PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

1. WEAR A LIFE JACKET OR PFD
THIS IS IMPORTANT. ALWAYS.
2. USE A RELIABLE RAFT OR FLOAT
One that will keep you dry and out of the water preferably, DON’T GO HUGE.
3. STAY OUT OF THE SHIPPING CHANNEL
You vs. a Ship, you will lose every time
4. DON’T LAND IN CANADA
That’s the East shore. Stay to the West.
5. THE TRIP IS LONG
Will take 2-3 hours in good weather, 6 hours in other. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
6. DO NOT BRING SMALL CHILDREN
Or anyone/thing else that cannot swim well. This includes pets.
7. LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME!
You’re only asking to lose them otherwise.
8. OBEY ALL LAWS. Do not exit on private property unless invited.
9. ARRANGE YOUR OWN RIDES
Ahead of time! Have someone pick you up at the finish, or have a vehicle staged nearby. There is no official transportation.
10. YOU ARE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
There are no organizers or life guards. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

As a floater this is what you must know. The float down is not an official or sanctioned event. There are no organizers and no safety providers. It is a spontaneous gathering of people floating independently on a traditionally set annual date. As such there is no set start time and no one to register with. Your safety and your planning, should you choose to enter the water are entirely your responsibility. This page exists solely as a community service to provide safety information to people who choose to float. Please visit the float down website for more information www.porthuronfloatdown.com