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Thousands of Americans to float 12-km down river. What could go wrong?

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Thousands of Americans are expected to float down the St. Clair River this Sunday for the annual 'Float Down' event. Floaters have inadvertently ended up in Canada most years. The border is closed. The pandemic persists. What could possibly go wrong?

Thousands of Americans are expected to float down the St. Clair River this Sunday for the annual 'Float Down' event. Floaters have inadvertently ended up in Canada most years. The border is closed. The pandemic persists. What could possibly go wrong?

  1. 14 Aug 2020

    Every year thousands of people float down the St. Clair River for the "unsanctioned marine event" known as the Port Huron Float Down. Americans inadvertently float to Canada most years. It is happening this Sunday, amid a pandemic and border closure.

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  2. 14 Aug 2020

    Canadians participate too. Sarnia Police said there are about 6000 people that float, fewer than 1000 are Canadian. It's 12 km route. River is closed to shipping. Every year, it's a huge undertaking for emergency responders to ensure safety and avoid international incidents.

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  3. 14 Aug 2020

    In 2016, roughly 1500 U.S. citizens landed in Corunna and Sarnia, many without passports, some with hypothermia. It was a whole thing.

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  4. 14 Aug 2020

    Everyone involved in this event is obsessed with the wind direction. A west wind is bad. That's what happened in 2016, along with a storm. Sarnia's mayor Mike Bradley knew they were in trouble that morning - the wind was just blowing right at Sarnia's waterfront.

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  5. 14 Aug 2020

    This year, people weren't sure if it would happen. There are no organizers, but U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard know people will show up, and they don't want to mix freighter traffic with inflatable unicorn rafts, so they prepare. It requires all kinds of planning and resources.

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  6. 14 Aug 2020

    Thousands of Americans are expected to float down the St. Clair River this Sunday. In previous years, floaters have accidentally crossed into Canada. Now, the border is closed. The current is strong. The pandemic persists. What could possibly go wrong?

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