Crime & Safety

River Safety Topic of Press Conference in Kent

Several near-drownings this year prompted safety officials to draw attention to Cuyahoga River

Several near-drownings in the Cuyahoga River this spring prompted city safety officials to take a closer look at how people interact with one of downtown Kent's defining attributes.

Kent safety officials will hold a press conference Friday at 1 p.m. in to point out some possible changes at Kent's parks bordering the river and in general draw attention to the potential dangers of fast-moving water.

"Recent incidents have shown that much of the public do not understand the dangers of moving water," Kent Fire Lt. Dave Moore said in an email. Moore leads the Portage County Water Rescue Team. "Like all natural resources, our portion of the Cuyahoga River must be enjoyed and respected."

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In the most recent incident, Kent Police Officer James Ennemoser after the current swept him downstream from Tannery Park. Just hours earlier, Ennemoser had helped pull another person out of the river near the Crain Avenue Bridge.

In May, Kent State student after she fell in at .

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And in March, members of after students on a school bus reported seeing someone fall into the rushing water.

Kent City Manager Dave Ruller wrote recently on his blog, Kent360, that city safety officials have considered several changes in their approach to water safety after this year's string of incidents on the river.

The city may add signs to parks along the river advising people of the river's potential dangers in addition to training and buying equipment for water rescue for police officers and holding water safety demonstrations.

"The nature of the concerns involve the safety of those people interested in recreation on the water (kayakers, etc.), as well as the increasing numbers of people who wish to swim or wade in the water," Ruller said. "Equally important are the concerns for those who are responsible for the safety and rescue of local water users."


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