Latest news with #PortHuronFloatDown
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
Statement - Transport Canada ensuring safety on the water by restricting vessel traffic on the St. Clair River on August 17, 2025 Français
SARNIA, ON, Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - This notice is to inform all boaters about temporary vessel traffic restrictions during an expected increase in the number of people using the St. Clair River during the Port Huron Float Down event on Sunday, August 17, 2025. To ensure the safety of everyone on the water, Transport Canada is restricting the movement of vessel traffic within the public Port of Sarnia. Under these restrictions, no unauthorized traffic will be permitted on the Canadian side of the St. Clair River, from the Blue Water Bridge to the upper end of Stag Island, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on August 17, 2025. A Navigational Warning (NAVWARN) about temporary vessel restrictions for this day was issued on August 12, 2025. Boaters are requested to adjust the timing of their transit in the area to avoid entering the safety zone during the temporary restrictions. If a vessel seeks to maneuver within these waters during this time, they must obtain authorization from Transport Canada. For urgent vessel transit authorization on the day of the event, vessel operators may contact the Canadian Coast Guard - Sarnia Marine Communications and Traffic Services on VHF Channel 16 or call 519-337-6221. They will then seek traffic clearance from Transport Canada for a vessel to enter, leave, or proceed within restricted areas. Federal, provincial, and municipal authorities will be present to address any safety and security issues related to this event. Canada Marine Act Contact Media relations Transport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055 [email protected] Visit Transport Canada's website. Subscribe to e-news or follow us on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada. Alternative formats Contact us for an alternative format of this news release. SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa
CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Port Huron Float Down event has U.S., Canadian Coast Guards issuing cautions, warning of dangers
The Port Huron Float Down is an unsanctioned, but popular event during which thousands of people float along the St. Clair River on kayaks, rafts, tubes and swimming pool inflatables. The "float down," as it has been known for decades, historically happens on the third Sunday in August. The route is about 7½ miles along the St. Clair River from Port Huron to Marysville. This year's event is expected to take place Aug. 17. First responder agencies that are responsible for providing assistance on the river ask that people avoid participating. "This is an inherently dangerous activity. As first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard recommend that people do not take part in this event," read a joint press release issued by the Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard agencies. "Past Float Downs have resulted in tragedy." The complications of the event result from a fast-moving current, along with the potential for summer thunderstorms that can create dangerous boating conditions. One example was in 2014, when a 19-year-old described as an experienced swimmer drowned during the event. A search and rescue effort involving first responders from both countries was suspended after 36 hours. Another example was in 2016, when high winds and heavy rains forced about 1,500 participants to land along the Ontario shoreline near the communities of Sarnia (across the border from Port Huron) and Corunna (across the border from Marysville). Some of those floaters were injured or had hypothermia from the experience. Beyond the primary safety concerns, there are border crossing considerations in the event someone comes ashore or lands in an unintended location. The St. Clair River sets the international line between the United States and Canada. The floaters who found themselves pushed onto the Ontario shoreline in 2016 were "stranded and subject to Canadian and U.S. border security with no identification, money, or means of communication." Under the authority of Transport Canada, and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, marine vessel traffic restrictions will be in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday because of the risk of a motorized boat colliding with a floater. Such marine restrictions have also been invoked in previous years. "If you choose to participate, you are strongly encouraged to take several precautions," the Coast Guard agencies said. Those recommendations from the Coast Guard include:
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Canada, U.S. Coast Guards warn people to avoid annual Port Huron Float Down
Every year on the third Sunday of August, thousands of people from both sides of the border float down the St. Clair River Published Aug 11, 2025 • 1 minute read Floaters from the Canadian side in the 2019 Port Huron Float Down make their way down river as U.S. floaters in the distance get ready to cast off from Port Huron. Photo by Tyler Kula / Postmedia files Canadian and U.S. authorities are warning people not to participate in this year's annual Port Huron Float Down, saying it is a dangerous activity that could 'result in serious injuries or fatalities.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Every year on the third Sunday of August, thousands of people from both sides of the border float down the St. Clair River that connects Lake Huron with Lake St. Clair near Windsor, Ont., and Detroit. Officials from the Canadian and U.S. coast guards say in a joint statement that it is an 'unsanctioned' event and those who choose to participate face serious risks due to strong currents, crowding and weather conditions. They say those who do participate should be cautious, avoid drinking alcohol and always wear a life jacket. Authorities recount the tragic death of a 19-year-old who drowned during the 2014 event, and the massive operation to rescue about 1,500 people stranded due to high winds and heavy rains in 2016. Officials say traffic restrictions will be imposed for vessels in the river on Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m. to reduce the risks of collision with floaters. Celebrity World World Canada MLB
CBC
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Canada, U.S. Coast Guards urge participants to avoid annual Port Huron Float Down
Canadian and U.S. authorities are warning people not to participate in this year's annual Port Huron Float Down, saying it is a dangerous activity that could "result in serious injuries or fatalities." Every year on the third Sunday of August, thousands of people from both sides of the border float down the St. Clair River that connects Lake Huron with Lake St. Clair near Windsor, Ont., and Detroit. Officials from the Canadian and U.S. coast guards say in a joint statement that it is an "unsanctioned" event and those who choose to participate face serious risks due to strong currents, crowding and weather conditions. Canadian Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard are seen working together to rescue people in a previous Port Huron Float Down. (Submitted by Canadian Coast Guard ) They say those who do participate should be cautious, avoid drinking alcohol and always wear a life-jacket. Authorities recount the tragic death of a 19-year-old who drowned during the 2014 event, and the massive operation to rescue about 1,500 people stranded due to high winds and heavy rains in 2016. Officials say traffic restrictions will be imposed for vessels in the river on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. to reduce the risks of collision with floaters. Boats are seen watching for floaters during a previous Port Huron Float Down. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Toronto Star
Canada, U.S. Coast Guards urge participants to avoid annual Port Huron Float Down
Canadian and U.S. authorities are warning people not to participate in this year's annual Port Huron Float Down, saying it is a dangerous activity that could 'result in serious injuries or fatalities.' Every year on the third Sunday of August, thousands of people from both sides of the border float down the St. Clair River that connects Lake Huron with Lake St. Clair near Windsor, Ont., and Detroit.
