Crews rescue 23 people, 6 dogs from fast-moving Cuyahoga River in Kent

• The Kent Fire Department responded at 1:42 p.m. to a report that 11 people had fallen out of their rafts on the Cuyahoga River by the Middlebury Road boat ramp and were unable to get out of the water.
• Numerous other people were observed losing control of their kayaks and rafts or falling into the fast-moving water.
• Signs have been posted in Kent to warn people about the dangerous river conditions.

First responders rescued 23 people and six dogs from the fast-moving Cuyahoga River in Kent during a three-hour period June 22, prompting warnings to stay out of the river until the raging waters subside.

Another 28 people and two dogs were assisted out of the river due to the dangerous conditions, according to a news release from the Kent Fire Department.

“While today’s response ended safely for all those on the water, it serves as reminder of how powerful and unpredictable the river can be,” the fire department warned. “With recent storms this past week, the water is both high and the current fast.

“…We ask you to stay on dry land and simply observe the beauty of the river during these rough conditions rather than risk danger to yourself and others. As always, you should never be near the moving water without a life jacket on.”

The rescues in Kent followed a fatal river incident June 21 in Cuyahoga Falls.

A man and a 5-year-old boy went missing when their inflatable device capsized on the Cuyahoga River near the Sheraton Suites on Front Street. The body of the child was found the next morning. Crews are continuing to search for the man.

11 people fall out of rafts on Cuyahoga River by Middlebury Road boat ramp

The Kent Fire Department responded at 1:42 p.m. to a report that 11 people had fallen out of their rafts on the Cuyahoga River by the Middlebury Road boat ramp and were unable to get out of the fast-moving water.

The Portage County Water Rescue Team was immediately activated, and rescue crews were able to safely pull the six kids and five adults out of the water, according to the news release.

Meanwhile, numerous other people were seen losing control or falling out of their kayaks and rafts due to the river’s strong current. Boat and shore crews safely helped them to shore.

Crews from the Suffield, Monroe Falls, Stow and other surrounding fire departments assisted in the rescue efforts.

Signs have been posted in Kent to warn people about the dangerous conditions, according to the Kent Fire Department.

“Please stay clear of the water until conditions improve,” the fire department stated.

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