As boaters prepare to converge on Lake St. Clair’s Gull Island on Friday, June 27, for the 51st annual Jobbie Nooner, federal officials are warning Canadian attendees to follow international border crossing laws or risk serious consequences.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding boaters arriving from foreign ports such as Canada to report their arrival immediately upon entering U.S. waters. Failure to do so could result in fines, prosecution or vessel seizure.
“If you do not follow the reporting requirements and enter the United States illegally, you will be prosecuted, and your vessel will be seized,” said U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector Chief Patrol Agent John R. Morris in a news release.
Jobbie Nooner, a widely attended and unsanctioned boat party, draws a massive crowd each summer to the waters surrounding Gull Island, where vessels come together for a daylong gathering of swimming, music and partying. Nudity is not uncommon at the event, which has developed a reputation for its anything-goes atmosphere.
Because Lake St. Clair is part of the international boundary, any vessel arriving from a foreign port — including those visiting a hovering vessel or receiving merchandise outside U.S. territorial waters — must be reported to CBP. Attendees can report their arrival through the CBP ROAM mobile app, available free on Apple and Android devices. The app serves as an approved alternative to face-to-face inspection in most cases.
Boaters may also report their arrival by phone to the nearest CBP office or check in at authorized ports such as Metro Beach or Elizabeth Park. Travelers who require an I-94 form or are importing dutiable goods must still report in person.
Despite the event’s informal nature, marine patrols and emergency responders increase their presence each year to manage the crowds and ensure safety.
While highs are forecasted to be around the 90-degree range on Friday, boaters should be alert to changing weather conditions. The National Weather Service is predicting a 30% chance of rain in the morning, with chances increasing to about 70% for showers and storms from 5-10 p.m.
“Any thunderstorm is dangerous if you’re on the open waters,” said NWS meteorologist Alex Manion. “(Friday) is a day to be very weather aware. These storms have the capability to pop up right overhead, and they can form fast within minutes — so it’s good to have a plan if that happens: Stay close to safety and shelter, and have multiple ways to receive weather information.”
Storms can “cause larger than normal waves,” Manion added. “Ideally, you don’t want to be on the lake when that’s happening. That could create multiple hazards.”
If the Jobbie Nooner event is rained out on Friday, it will move to Saturday, June 28, according to the Lake St. Clair Guide.
A second Jobbie Nooner is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, the first Saturday after Labor Day.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jobbie Nooner 2025: Boaters warned to report entry from Canada, watch for storms
Reporting by Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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