Butler County officials and water‑safety experts are urging residents to stay off the Great Miami River after a recent drowning highlighted the dangers of high water and swift currents. The body of 47‑year‑old Eric Blakley was recovered near the Hamilton dam on Thursday, and the county coroner ruled the incident an accident.
River conditions remain hazardous
Recent rainstorms have raised the river’s level and increased its flow speed, creating conditions that can overwhelm even experienced swimmers and boaters. The Great Miami Rowing Center, which normally uses the river for training, has suspended all activities for nearly two weeks. “It’s definitely too fast for us,” said Kathy Kremer, a representative 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.”
Monitoring tools help track risk
Kremer explained that the center regularly checks the National Water Prediction Service website to monitor both river height and flow rate. “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,” she said.
Officials stress caution for all water users
Local authorities echo the rowing center’s warning, noting that high water can conceal hazards such as submerged logs, rocks, or sudden drop‑offs. “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 added.
Emergency crews responded quickly after the body was found, and the coroner’s office confirmed the cause of death as drowning. No details have been released about how the victim entered the water.
What residents can do
Residents are encouraged to avoid the river until official updates indicate that water levels have receded and flow rates have slowed. Those who must be near the water should wear personal flotation devices, stay aware of changing conditions, and keep a safe distance from debris and fast‑moving currents.
The Great Miami Rowing Center will continue to monitor conditions and will announce when it is safe to resume activities. In the meantime, the county’s public‑safety department will issue further advisories as the situation evolves.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
