The seven-kilometre float down the Murrumbidgee River, from Eunony Bridge to Wagga Beach, has been plunged into jeopardy in the wake of Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) holding fears it is too dangerous. 

But Gumi organisers, South Wagga Apex, remain confident that the February 14 event will go ahead, with more than 100 rubber tyre crafts, each carrying a crew of six, expected to take to the river. RMS are currently assessing an application for an aquatic licence and a decision is expected to be made this week.

“(We have) held discussions with organisers and are considering the expected river conditions and advice from SES as there have been numerous drownings on the Murrumbidgee River in the past six years, all during the peak irrigation season which coincides with the proposed event,” an RMS spokesman said.

But Gumi organiser Neal Molineaux said none of those drownings occurred during a fully-supervised event, such as the Gumi, overseen by SES and the Volunteer Rescue Association. 

Mr Molineaux said it was the only event of its kind and all risk assessments had been checked off. 

SES regional controller Dave Buchtmann said they were supportive of the position of the RMS and the concerns they raised about the safety aspect of the race. "If the race is given approval to go ahead, we will continue to support the event, as we have in the past,” he said.