The fast moving current, large number of participants, lack of lifejackets, alcohol consumption, potentially challenging weather conditions, water temperature, and limited rescue resources can create difficult emergency response scenarios that can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Large crowds of people in close proximity also increases the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Water temperatures during recent Float Downs averaged in the high 60s º F/ 17-19 º C. Immersion in water below approximately 70 degrees º F/ 21 º C can lead to hypothermia that impairs physical performance and degrades a person's ability to self-help or swim. Early signs of hypothermia include shivering and loss of coordination and judgment.
The marine environment - motion, sun, wind, spray - accelerates the effects of alcohol consumption. Alcohol can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold water - further impairing a person's judgment, vision, and reaction time.
Past float downs have resulted in tragedy. In 2014, a 19-year-old experienced swimmer drowned during the event, despite more than 36 combined hours of searching by both U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, as well as numerous local, state, and federal first responders.
In 2016, high winds and a heavy downpour led to approximately 1,500 participants requiring assistance when they landed on the Canadian shoreline at Sarnia and Corunna, leaving them stranded, subject to Canadian and U.S. border security. To complicate matters, many of these individuals were without identification, money and means of communication. Some had injuries and were suffering from hypothermia.
This is an inherently dangerous activity, especially for minors. As first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard recommend that people do not take part in this event. If you choose to participate you are strongly encouraged to take several precautions:
- Regardless of age or ability to swim, all participants are encouraged to wear an appropriately sized, U.S. Coast Guard / Canadian approved personal flotation device or life jacket at all times;
- Bring waterproof bags for your personal items and identification;
- File a "Float Plan" with someone not participating who can report your intentions to the Coast Guard in the event you do not check-in at the scheduled time;
- Never go alone. Use the buddy system, keep an eye on each other, and immediately report incidents of distress to the nearest first response agency representative;
- Refrain from consuming alcohol;
- Wear a face mask if physical distancing is not possible;
- Dress appropriately for the weather and cold water. Use a raft that limits your immersion in the water and can be controlled with oars or paddles; and
- Stay near shore and remain out of the navigation channel.
