Float Down forecast: Wet, windy, fun

Once again, officials are urging Port Huron Float Down participants to wear a life jacket on Sunday.

The annual float down launches at 1 p.m. from Lighthouse Beach and drifts along 7.5 miles of the St. Clair River to Chrysler Beach in Marysville.

The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the St. Clair River to all motor vessel traffic from noon to 8 p.m. that day.

But still, a river free of boats does not mean floaters should leave their life jackets at home, said Lt. Ben Chamberlain, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit public affairs officer.

“Anyone participating under the age of 18 is required to wear a life jacket,” Chamberlain said. “But the moving water can present a dangerous situation, so everyone should wear one, that’s our biggest tip.”

The U.S. Coast Guard will be working alongside local agencies such as Port Huron police and fire departments, the St. Clair County Sheriff Department and Marine Division, as well as the Canadian Coast Guard.

Up to 5,000 floaters have participated in the Float Down in previous years, and each year first responders help many participants avoid risks.

Chamberlain said in addition to a life jacket, participants should bring identification in a water-proof bag, avoid alcohol use and have a Float Down plan.

“Let someone know where you will be and have an established pick-up and drop-off point,” Chamberlain said. “Another thing we run into are floaters who sometimes end up on the Canadian shoreline. If they don’t have an ID or passport, it makes it difficult to get back.”

Some floaters choose to cut their trips short, and leave the river at points north of Chrysler Beach. Those who do should decide where they're leaving the river before setting sail, choosing a spot that is public or that welcomes floaters, and pre-arranging transportation.

Agencies on the water will assist in preventing participants from floating over to Canadian waters, but with as many as 5,000 participants, Chamberlain said that can be a challenge. Sunday's weather forecast isn't helping either, with brisk west-to-east winds expected for the afternoon. Temperatures in the 70s and rain are also expected.

Anyone in need of assistance can flag down any first responder on the water.

Regardless of swimming ability and experience, everyone should wear a life jacket. In 2014, a 19-year-old Fenton man drowned during the Float Down after separating from his group. He was an experienced swimmer and competitive water-skier. His body was found in the river four days following the float down.

“We caution against excessive alcohol on the water and under that much sun,” Chamberlain said. “The effects of alcohol are exaggerated with both of those factors and it slows down your reaction time.”

Erik Kimball, 48, of Port Huron, who first participated in the Float Down in the 1980s said water and snacks are essential. He said covering the distance from Lighthouse to Chrysler beaches can take two to six hours depending on winds and currents, so it is best to come prepared with food and water to maintain energy levels.

"My fondest memories of the Float Down are just seeing the people out there enjoying it," Kimball said. "I wanted my wife and sons to experience the festival-like atmosphere that it is and to see what it was like when I did it back in the '80s."

Kimball usually floats with a group of five to 12 people. All come equipped with inflatables that they tether together. Then they use oars to control the direction of their make-shift vessel.

"You need to have an inflatable that keeps you out of the water," Kimball said. "Even though it's summer, being immersed in the cool water for that long could cause hypothermia. We also make sure to bring sunscreen and hats to keep the sun from burning you up."

Dave Minock, owner of the Spirits Shoppe store in Port Huron, stocks up on supplies, such as life jackets, for Float Down participants each year.

“We have everything from the basic (inflatable) ring, which is not recommended, to a two-person float with a mesh bottom, cup holders and a back rest, which is good for distance,” Minock said. “New this year we have floating islands, too.”

The store also stocks oars, which are second in importance to life jackets, allowing floaters to control their trajectory.

“We have waterproof pouches to keep phones and wallets in because everyone should have an ID with them,” Minock said. “But an alternative to the pouches is just a Ziploc bag, it works fine too.”

Minock will also be offering free air the day of float down for anyone who needs to inflate tubes, boats or islands.

A product called ‘Amazing Goop’ is also a life-saver for inflatables that are leaking air.

“Instead of spending all that money to come in and buy a new item, you just put a dab over the hole and it will fix it,” Minock said.

But regardless of how participants decide to Float Down, Kimball urged everyone to not litter, and to leave the river as they found it.

Contact Nicole Hayden at (810) 989-6279 or nhayden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @nicoleandpig.