JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The IRONMAN triathlon begins Saturday in Jacksonville, and the U.S. Coast Guard says it will step up security on the St. Johns River for the event.
Coast Guard officials said crews will deploy the 87-foot cutter Coho, with about 11 personnel, and a 29-foot response boat from Station Mayport with a four-person crew. Local public-safety partners, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will also assist, officials said.
“Our number one priority for the event is the safety of the swimmers,” a Coast Guard official said, adding that the agencies will work together to keep the river clear for athletes.
What to know
- Safety zone: From Main Street to just past the Mathews Bridge on the St. Johns River.
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. Boats should avoid the area during those times; emergency responses will still be handled by Coast Guard and local agencies.
- Scope: About 1,900 athletes are registered for the event.
- Today: Operations are expected to be normal; closures apply to race day only.
All along the north bank and downtown, thousands of people are expected to watch the action, but Riverside is a key transition zone of the race. Athletes will get out of the water, come to Memorial Park, and start the 112-mile bike journey into St. Johns County and back.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Chief Percy Golden said the department has been preparing for five months leading up to the Ironman, keeping an eye on both athletes and spectators.
“We’re going to have a huge presence out here,” Golden said.
JFRD operations will have:
- 4 Swift Water Boats
- Ocean Rescue Jet Ski
- 2 Marine Units
Totaling up to 24 JFRD personnel.
“Just stay hydrated,” Golden said. “That goes for the athletes and also the spectators. Stay hydrated, and make sure you find a shady spot if you need to if you’re a spectator.”
Coast Guard officials said partnerships with local agencies are critical to managing the large area and diverse missions required to keep competitors and the public safe