“Signs have been posted throughout the parks to remind people of the dangerous conditions.”
KENT, Ohio — A total of 51 people and 8 dogs were rescued out of the Cuyahoga River on Sunday after fast-moving water created hazardous conditions for rafters and kayakers, according to the Kent Fire Department.
According to officials, the incident began around 1:42 p.m. when dispatchers received reports of 11 people, including six children and five adults, who had fallen out of their rafts near the Middlebury Road boat ramp and could not get out of the river.
Kent Fire crews responded and activated the Portage County Water Rescue Team. As crews conducted the initial rescue, they observed more people struggling in the current. An additional rescue took place near River Edge Park.
After about three hours, 23 people and 6 dogs were rescued directly from the river by fire and rescue crews. Another 28 people and 2 dogs were assisted safely out of the water farther downstream.
The Kent Fire Department said many people on the river were not wearing life jackets. Officials are urging the public to stay off the water until conditions improve.
“While today’s response ended safely for all those on the water, it serves as a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable the river can be. With recent storms this past week the water is both high and the current fast. Signs have been posted throughout the parks to remind people of the dangerous conditions. We ask that you 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. Many boaters and rafters were observed not wearing a life jacket! Please stay clear of the water until conditions improve,” said the City of Kent Fire Department on Facebook.
Assisting agencies included the Portage County Water Rescue Team, Suffield Fire, Munroe Falls Fire, Stow Fire, and other departments in the area.
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