The Canadian Coast Guard will have extra patrols on the St. Clair River Sunday, as the 44th annual Port Huron Float Down is scheduled to take place.
The unsanctioned event typically sees thousands of people float 12 kilometres down the river, mostly on the U.S. side, from Port Huron to Marysville Beach.
Incident Commander Kathleen Getty said it's a very dangerous activity.
"We don't condone the event," said Getty. "It's an unsanctioned event, and we really encourage people not to take part. It's very dangerous, and I don't think that people realize the dangers that are inherent in this event."
Getty notes they have had some issues in previous years.
"We have had a major hurricane in the general area blow through," she said. "That was the one that was near Goderich. I do recall the wind and the weather in the Sarnia-area during the Float Down was excessive. And also, we did have a casualty occur at the Float Down in 2014. That was extremely, extremely unfortunate."
Getty urges precautions, including wearing a life jacket, refraining from alcohol, and having a bag with identification.
She said it's important to coordinate with someone on shore so they know you've made it out of the water safely.
The water is very cold, around 19 C, and being in water below 21 C can lead to hypothermia that impairs physical performance and reduces a person's ability to swim.
Other agencies helping in the effort include The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ontario Provincial Police, Sarnia Police, Sarnia Fire and Rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The river will be closed to boat traffic from noon until 8 p.m., and Ferry Dock Hill and the Sarnia boat launch will be closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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