The Portage County Water Rescue Team rescued a 19-year-old woman after she slipped and fell into the Cuyahoga River at Kent’s River Edge Park.

In a Facebook post, Commander Scott Simmons said at 3:15 a.m. on April 29, the woman and a man were walking close to the river when she slipped and fell. 

She then attempted to grab hold of a downed tree, but the current pulled her underwater, causing her to let go of the tree and continue floating down the river. After floating down the river, “she was swept onto an island in the middle of the flowing water,” he said.

At 3:23 a.m., a call was made to the Kent Fire Department and the PCWRT. Authorities were able to locate the woman and began planning a rescue, Simmons said.

“By 4:05 a.m., a boat staffed with Swiftwater-certified members of Kent Fire and the PCWRT had made their way up the river, rescued the female and brought her to safety,” he said.

Upon rescue, the woman was cold but sustained no injuries, and Emergency Medical Services later evaluated her, Simmons said.

He said the PCWRT practiced training for a Swiftwater rescue on April 22 in the same area where the woman fell. At the time of training, the water flow was about 200 cubic feet per minute, while during the rescue, it was about 1200 cubic feet per minute because of rain.

With the anticipation of rain, which can increase the current speeds and make being swept away even more dangerous, Simmons said it is important to remain cautious while near the river.

“Swiftwater is very powerful, relentless and unforgiving, so we are asking that people use extreme caution around the river at this time,” he said.

The PCWRT will also be hosting Swiftwater technician classes on the river throughout the week for those interested in obtaining certification to be prepared in these types of situations.

Adriana Gasiewski is a campus editor. Contact her at [email protected].