The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has announced that the Rogue River will be closed in designated areas and during designated times during Boatnik races.
Marine deputies said all spectators must remain off the water until the races are over. All spectators must remain 50 feet from the waterway at all times.
The Rogue River will be closed on Friday from 6 to 10:15 p.m. from Baker Park to Caveman Bridge. The river will closed in the same area on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10:15 p.m..
On Memorial Day, the Rogue River will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon from Baker Park to Caveman Bridge, and from noon to 3 p.m. from Baker Park to Robertson Bridge.
Movement on the water during these times is restricted to law enforcement, rescue personnel and authorized race officials. 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 the race official 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 closures may be cited for Reckless and Unsafe Operation and are subject to a $440 fine. Law enforcement will be patrolling the waterway during race events.
