A total of 51 people, including kids, and eight dogs were rescued out of the Cuyahoga River on Sunday after kayakers and rafters struggled against the fast-moving water, according to the Kent Fire Department.
The incident was first reported at 1:42 p.m., when the fire department responded to an initial report of 11 people falling off their rafts, unable to get out of the water, according to the news release. Kent Fire crews immediately headed towards the Middlebury Road boat ramp and activated the Portage County Water Rescue Team.
Upon arrival, rescue teams were able to locate and safely remove victims from the water through boat operations and shore support. During the initial rescue, other rafters and kayakers going downstream began losing control and falling into the water due to the high current.
After nearly three hours, all rescue operations were completed, including an additional rescue near River Edge Park. A total of 23 people and six dogs were rescued, while 28 more people and two dogs were safely assisted out of the water. Several surrounding fire departments, including Stow, Munroe Falls and Suffield, assisted Kent Fire crews and the Portage County Water Rescue Team.
In a statement, the Kent Fire Department told people to be aware of the hazardous water conditions and to avoid the river in times of high current.
“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,” the statement said.
John Engoglia is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
