With hot weather and summer holidays rippling through the area, there are leisure-seekers on air mattresses and inner tubes floating merrily down local streams with the Nechako River being the favourite waterway.
As the community gears up for the annual mass float event next month, organizers urge the public to use this weekend's hot weather to practice safety on the water.
The host of the Fifth Annual Huge River Float page on Facebook, Cody Thomas Gray, said people have to take personal responsibility for safety and environmental care before pushing off from the shore. That was an essential message for participants of the main event, but he hoped it applies every day to everyone on the water.
"You cant really govern or dictate what people will do," he said. "My best advice is wear a life jacket. If you are drinking, be smart about it and don't be a dumbass. Also remember some sunscreen and drink lots of water. Just because you are on the water doesn't mean you're saved from dehydration. Also, respect other people floating. There are always kids and families out there."
Poor weather has caused the Nechako River community float some problems in recent years. It has endured flooding, unseasonably cold temperatures, and rain, but so far, said Gray, this summer is setting up well for a successful event.
"We moved the date and are trying to add some entertainment along the float," he said. "This event was a great idea made by PGers for PG and is unique to the north. I want nothing more than for people to have a wonderful, safe time."
The Fifth Annual Huge River Float will be held Aug. 9 with a starting point at Wilkins Park in Miworth. "The posted start time is 12 noon, but I encourage people to come earlier and later because it is hard to get 100 people on the river at a time," said Gray.
