IN THE RIVER: THE 200 BOAT FLOAT

We’re taking On the River to a whole new level again this year…and we’re actually getting IN the River!

• What: In the River – 200 Boat Float
• When: Saturday, August 3, 10:00 AM – Noon

On the River has established itself as one of the finest festivals in the region – live music, fireworks, foods and drinks, entertainment, a volleyball tournament and more…all right on an authentic beach environment! What’s missing? A chance to actually get in the water! Come join us as we aim to get 200 boats (canoes, kayaks, row boats, scull boats, paddle boats…you name it) in the Saint Joseph River. Click here to see a map of the event.

Well, all you need to do is show up at the Boat Ramp across from IUSB on Northside Blvd., in between Twyckenham Bridge and the IUSB footbridge. We’re encouraging everyone to bring their own boat, but if you don’t have one, we’ll have some there available for you to rent. We’ll also have life jackets for you to borrow if necessary. Sounds awesome, right!?!

If you have your own boat you can also launch from the Notre Dame Boat Ramp near the farmer’s market. Sorry, no boat rentals available there! Then, get on in the water!

This is a non-competitive, family-friendly type event designed to give people a chance to enjoy some recreational canoeing or kayaking in the heart of downtown South Bend.

As an added bonus, anyone who gets “In the River” will receive a free ticket to On the River 2013.

The Big Media Event
The big media event will take place at 11:00 AM sharp. Navigate your boats to the area of the river next to Howard Park (north of the foot bridge, yet south of the Jefferson Street Bridge). We’ll have news crews, photographers, and city officials on hand to document the largest group of boaters to ever be in this part of the river at once! The picture is guaranteed to make headlines and be a beloved photo in our community. You’ll want to be a part of it!

In The River FAQs

• What is In The River?

  A 200 boat float. Absolutely no boaters are to go north of the Jefferson Street Bridge. There will be a safety boat in that area to turn you around if you get within 50 meters of the bridge.

• Is getting IN the river a mandatory part of On the River?

  Of course, not! The main portion of the event is still one giant beach party in downtown.

• Where exactly is In the River happening?

  Well, all you need to do is show up at the Notre Dame Boat Ramp near the farmers market or the Northside Blvd. Boat Ramp across from IUSB. We're encouraging everyone to bring their own boat, but if you don't have one, we'll have some there available for you to rent. Then, get on in the water! You may click here to see a map.

• Is it safe to get in the river?

  Yes. Safety will be our #1 priority. We’ll have representatives from the South Bend Fire Department in Safety & Rescue boats at key positions throughout the In the River sanctioned event area. We’ll also have experienced volunteer safety boaters positioned approximately every 100-200 meters throughout the area. They’ll be easily recognizable in yellow safety vests. The area we have selected to host this event does not consist of any fast moving rapids or dangerous water conditions. As with anytime you enter the water, safe boating practices are the responsibility of each individual. State law requires one lifejacket/pfd per person in the boat; safe paddling suggests that they be worn! Additionally, for the safety of everyone, all participants are asked to follow the instructions of any authority they may encounter.

• Is the river clean?

  Yes! The Saint Joseph River is perfectly clean for recreational boating. Kayakers and rafters are in the water all summer long at the East Race without any incident.

• Is this a race or a competition?

  Nope. This is designed to be a leisurely, recreational boating experience.

• Is there an age limit?

  Nope. We encourage people of all ages to come out. This will be a fantastic family-friendly event. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the boat.

• Is there a cost to participate?

  Nope. The river is free and open to the public…always! This event is designed to highlight the great form of entertainment and recreation that is always right in our backyard. As a matter of fact, we’re going to “pay” you to participate! Well…kinda. Anyone who gets “In the River” with their boat will receive a free ticket to attend On the River 2012!

• Do you have to sign up in advance to participate?

  Nope. We want to make this as easy as possible. Just show up and have fun! Remember though, everybody must sign a waiver before entering the water!

• What if I don’t own a canoe, kayak, or any other boat?

  Well…you can try to borrow one from a friend. If not, come on down to the Boat Ramp across from IUSB on Northside Blvd., in between Twyckenham Bridge and the IUSB footbridge. We’ll have some boats available for you to rent. We’ll also have life jackets for you to borrow if necessary. Make sure you come to the right place - we won't be renting canoes at the ND Boat Ramp location.