Port Huron’s 2017 “Float Down” Was Alright, but Maybe Stop? — U.S. & Canadian Coast Guards Issue Warning

You remember last year, some pretty drunk Americans accidentally floated to the Candian side of the Saint Clair River. This time, it went pretty good. Kinda'.

According to MLive reporting, before the unsanctioned Float Down on Sunday, the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards issued a statement for people to not participate in the event because last year a few of them ended stranded in Canada because of high winds and drunken shenanigans. But, the agencies also know that most people will and gave tips on how to stay safe by encouraging life jackets and other safety precautions.

Of course over 5,000 did not heed the warning and took to the St. Clair River anyway to stick their booties in a tube and float for the afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard worked with their Canadian counterparts to help over 160 people and ended up saving three lives. Shipping traffic was halted from Noon until 8 p.m. that night in order to make sure everyone was clear from the river.

Overall, the U.S. Coast Guard had a pretty good attitude about this event and is very helpful in keeping everyone safe. I just not so sure if this Float Down is such a good idea. It seems like a huge catastrophe waiting to happen. Maybe I am being a total Captian Bringdown, but still, I don't know.