Several hundred young people are expected to be out on the water - and so will the RCMP - when the Nechako float is held today.
Scheduled to begin at Wilkins Park in Miworth at noon and, for most participants, to end a few hours downstream at the Nechako bridge, while some will continue to Cottonwood Island Park, police will deploy three boats to patrol the area.
But RCMP are also urging floaters to take responsibility for their actions and understand that organizers have taken no safety precautions to protect participants.
"Often people participating in these events make decisions that put themselves or others at an increased risk of harm," Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said. "We want to minimize these poor decisions and make sure everyone gets home safely."
Floaters are urged to wear life jackets, particularly since the river is flowing faster and is colder than in past years, and parents are urged not to allow their children to go on the river alone - kids as young as 12 years old have been found on the river unsupervised.
Police will also be out in force along nearby roads. Last year there were more than 50 violations for various offences including impaired driving, no insurance, no licence and liquor offences, Douglass said.
As of Friday afternoon, Environment Canada was forecasting a high of 23 C with a 30 per cent chance of rain.
Organizer Richie Appiah, also known as DJ Darkness, is hosting an after-party at the Generator at 9 p.m.
