Great Miami River drowning highlights dangers of fast-moving water
HAMILTON, Ohio —
Water safety experts are warning people to avoid the Great Miami River as high water and swift currents create dangerous conditions following recent rain and storms.
The warning comes after emergency crews recovered the body of 47-year-old Eric Blakley near the Hamilton dam Thursday. The Butler County coroner identified Blakley on Friday and ruled his drowning an accident. Authorities have not said how he entered the water.
Members of the Great Miami Rowing Center said they have stayed off the river for nearly two weeks because of its speed, height and floating debris.
“It’s definitely too fast for us,” said Kathy Kremer of the rowing center. “At this level, you still occasionally see debris coming down. That’s another big factor for us. If there are big pieces of debris coming down, we don’t want to be out on the water.”
The group regularly monitors the river’s height and flow through the National Water Prediction Service website.
“What we’re doing is watching not only the level, but when you click on the point on the graph, you can see the flow,” Kremer said.
High water can conceal hazards and create currents capable of overpowering experienced boaters and swimmers. Kremer and local officials urged people not to underestimate the danger.
“Even if you think, ‘Hey, it’s OK. I can get out there,’ or it’s fun because the water moves swiftly, that’s really also a danger,” Kremer said.