The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has announced Rogue River closures related to the Boatnik Festival in Grants Pass this coming holiday weekend.
During the Boatnik races, the Rogue River will be closed in designated areas and during designated times. All spectators will remain off the water until the races are over and they must remain 50 feet from the waterway at all times.
On Friday, the Rogue will be closed between 6 and 10:15 p.m. from Baker Park to Caveman Bridge. On Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10:15 p.m., the river will be closed between Baker Park and Caveman Bridge.
On Monday, the Rogue will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon from Baker Park to Caveman Bridge for the Memorial Day ceremony, and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. from Baker Park to Robertson Bridge for the Tom Rice Memorial Whitewater Hydroplane Race.
Movement on the water during closure times is restricted to law enforcement, rescue personnel and authorized race officials. For safety purposes, private boats are not allowed to assist with crash or rescue operations.
Boats can be anchored on the shoreline if it is deemed safe by race officials and law enforcement. All users shall be off the water and in an approved area one hour prior to the start of the race.
Any unauthorized boats on the water during the closure may be cited for Reckless and Unsafe Operation. They are subject to a $440 fine. Law enforcement will be patrolling the river during race events.
