The Independent

High winds and waves reduced the number of hearty souls at the annual St. Clair River Floatdown Sunday.

Earlier in the week, US and Canadian Coast Guard warned people about the danger of the event which started in 1977. They tried to convince people not to be a part of the event, but warned if there were going, people should to wear life jackets, have paddles and ID and float down the St. Clair River with other people.

Before the event began Sunday, the US National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement saying there would be hazardous wind and wave conditions along the shoreline of Saginaw Bay and southern Lake Huron. Environment Canada said winds were gusting up to 50 km/h.

Officials say the condition kept many people from making the trek.nVideo from Lighthouse Beach shows people trying to make their way over large waves crashing onto the shore hoping to make the 12 km trek.

Canadians jointed the unsanctioned event launching their floats and boats under the Bluewater Bridge in Point Edward, where the waves were still large but not as difficult to navigate as those out on the lake.

The US and Canadian Coast Guard, the OPP and Sarnia Police were kept busy assisting floaters but there was no word of injuries after the event.