Gear

Appropriate float

The type of float you use for the float down is important for two reasons. 1st your safety and 2nd to stay out of the shipping channel. Everyone has to be able to stay near the Michigan shoreline and out of the way of commercial shipping traffic. You must be able to kick, paddle, or row to stay out of the channel. The best devices for this are inner tubes or inflatable 1 or 2 person rafts with paddles. Understand that the 8 person floating family room with built in cup holders or your kids 6’ x 10’ inflatable pool my seem like a fun idea, but you will find their not very maneuverable on the water. If you cannot paddle or row your choice of float back to shore by yourself, do not use it.

Also, a special notice to groups of floaters that tie their tubes together, if you start drifting away from the shoreline, untie yourselves from each other and paddle back individually. It’s quicker and easier than trying to as a group.

GEAR What you will need.

Life jacket , each participant must have one
Appropriate inner tube or raft (see below)
Your Identification.

Suggested extras.

Water proof bag
Bottled water
Snacks
Sun block
Sun glasses
Hat