Avalon Floatilla

Avalon law takes aim at Floatilla

By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Published: Thursday, March 2, 2006
Updated: Thursday, March 2, 2006

AVALON — The annual summer “Floatilla” party draws rafts, bikinis and beer to the waterways of Avalon.

It also drew widespread concern last year, and borough officials have said the event was getting out of hand.

In July 2005 — its fifth year — the Floatilla attracted more than 1,000 participants to house parties and inflatable rafts near the 21st Street bridge.

The party also attracted the attention of borough officials after a Philadelphia man jumped from the bridge and was never seen resurfacing.

Police, rescue divers, lifeguards and K-9s searched for hours believing he may have drowned. He was alive but did not report to police until later that night.

The incident prompted Avalon Police Chief Stephen Sykes to say last year that police would map out a plan to deal with the partygoers next time.

Last week, Borough Council introduced a law creating a permitting process for special events that not only involves borough property but also those involving Avalon police or public works employees.

The Floatilla party, a conglomeration of rubbing inner tubes in Avalon's bayside, would be one of the law's primary targets. It could end the event in Avalon.

An application for a special event would need to be filed through the borough clerk's office, and then police, public works and recreation can have their say.

Any special event that involves alcohol consumption would need Borough Council approval.

The proposed ordinance will be considered for final passage after a public comment session at 7:45 p.m. March 8 in Borough Hall.

Avalon Councilman Joseph Tipping said he, a fire policeman, was among others involved in the search for the man.

“The Floatilla thing has become so popular with everybody it has become a safety issue. Who would be held responsible if something went wrong? The borough,” Tipping said.

“I have no objection to people floating around and having a beer, but I do have an objection to the way it was last year,” he said. “You want people to have a great time and come down here, but you don't want other people to abuse property (or compromise) safety.”

Last year, police also issued several citations for noise and open consumption of alcohol.

To e-mail Brian Ianieri at The Press:

BIanieri@pressofac.com