Americans warned of fines, charges for entering Canada ahead of Port Huron Float Down event

Both the RCMP and the Canadian Coast Guard have issued several statements strongly urging people not to participate in this year’s Port Huron Float Down event.

The event will see thousands of people float down the St. Clair River on tubes and rafts this Sunday.

The St. Clair River separates Sarnia, Ont. from Port Huron, Michigan in the US.

The Canadian and US Coast Guard issued a statement ahead of the Float Down saying that it is an “unsanctioned marine event.”

First responders, including coast guard and police, will be attending to make sure that no one gets hurt and to ensure that border laws are upheld.

Besides the threat of COVID-19 spread and the border being closed, the event poses other risks to participants every year.

In 2014, a 19-year-old who was an experienced swimmer drowned while floating down the river.

Authorities mounted a significant search and rescue effort that was eventually suspended after 21 searches lasting more than 36 hours.

“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,” said the Coast Guard. “Large crowds of people in close proximity also increases the risk of spreading COVID-19.”

The RCMP described the annual event as “unpredictable,” with weather changing in an instant.

Wind direction can change the 12 km trip downstream from a 2 to 3-hour trip to a 6-hour trip, and can cause participants to unintentionally enter Canada.

During the 2016 event, over 1,500 U.S. citizens entered Canada unintentionally due to inclement and unusual weather patterns.

Due to COVID-19, crossing the Canada-US border on the water remains restricted for non-essential travel such as recreational purposes.

If you are a U.S. citizen participating in the Float Down and you end up in Canada, the RCMP said that you will be arrested, with charges and fines possible.

After being released to Port Huron authorities, U.S. participants who enter Canada could face fines of up to $750,000 and/or six months imprisonment.