San Diego took energetic measures against the illegal float festival held every summer in Mission Bay-San Diego Union-Tribuno

San Diego officials are taking energetic measures against an illegal flotation party that is held every July in Mission Bay, sending the organizers an invoice of $ 54,000 to cover the rescues of lifeguards and the control of crowds by the police and The rangers.

The objective of the invoices is to dissuade the organizers to organize a fifth annual float festival, an event in which hundreds of people congregate in flotation devices in the northwest corner of Mission Bay.

The city officials say that the event, where many participants drink alcohol, is chaotic, dangerous and generally requires many rescues and extreme surveillance by the police and the rangers.

There is no admission charge for the event, which is called “Floatopia“For some participants. But the organizers, who promote the event on several social media platforms, include links to buy floats and other related products.

The city officials say they are sure they sent the invoice to the right people because they have been working with the organizers since the spring of 2023 to help them obtain the necessary permits for the event.

Two women identified by the city as the organizers did not respond to the emails of Union-Tribuno asking for a comment on the city’s invoice and the situation in general.

In a letter, the city sent the organizers on February 5 together with the invoices, city officials explain that the organizers are not exempt from responsibility just because they do not charge the admission and do not coordinate music and suppliers.

“As discussed with you in 2024 and 2023, when a special event is held without a special event permit and one is required, or an event is held in violation of the terms of a special event permit issued, the event organizer It will be responsible for all the costs of the city incurred for staff and equipment for a public security response caused or necessary for the adverse impacts of the event, ”says the letter.

The city says that the fourth annual float festival, which was held on July 27 last summer, required 24 rescues of lifeguards, four stops of high music, 37 “travel endings”, two confused, 16 alcohol appointments and seven Warnings for smoking illegally in a park.

The total invoice of $ 54,482 includes $ 39,338 for the Police, $ 10,555 for lifeguards, $ 4,320 for Park Rangers and $ 269 for personnel in the city’s special events office.

“The events not allowed in the open waters create a dangerous situation for the public and the lifeguards,” said lifeguard chief James Gartland last week of the Float Festival. “The unplanned addition of large crowds and vessels in the water makes it extremely difficult to observe the water and avoid drowning and injury.”

Gartland said a dangerous rescue of three minors was required during one of the festivals.

The city councilor, Jennifer Campbell, whose district includes Mission Bay, said the organizers must suffer the consequences of their bad decisions.

“It is worrying that the organizers chose to advance with this event despite not having the appropriate and warned permissions that would be fined for the use of any city staff that would be needed for rescue operations,” said Campbell. “The actions have consequences and the organizers must now adhere to the repercussions of their irresponsible decision.”

It seems very unlikely that organizers get permission.

The great events are prohibited in Mission Bay Park between the Fallen Day and Labor Day. But even if the event moves outside that window, the lottery will distribute special events permits and require the approval of the city’s lifeguards and the Mission Bay Park committee.

City officials say that their main objective is to avoid future festivals, not obtain a refund. But they told the organizers that the bill will go to the city’s collections if they are not paid before March 10, and said that the lack of payment could affect the credit reports of the organizers.

The festival is typically celebrated between the places of Santa Clara and San Rafael, south of the Catamaran Hotel.

Originally published: February 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM PST