An important word about safety on the river

In the wake of several recent incidents on the Cuyahoga River, we wanted to take a moment to pause and share a few thoughts about river safety.

Water is compelling--it's calming, exciting, beautiful. We love to be near it, and in it. Water also carries inherent dangers. When recreating on a river or lake, please, approach the water with respect; it's always more powerful than we are. Know your skill level, and be willing to forgo a trip if the water is too powerful to handle. Take a class if you can--become a better paddler. Paddle with Friends of the Crooked River or Keelhaulers or another group of experienced paddlers to learn more about paddling and how to read a river. And always, always, wear a personal flotation device, both children and adults. PFDs save lives, every day.

Now, get out there and enjoy our rivers and lakes, with respect for yourself, for those with you, and for the power of water itself.

Welcome to the online home of the Cuyahoga River.

Friends of the Crooked River was formed in 1990 in order to give the 100 mile length of the Cuyahoga River a voice. We are, in one sense, the mouth of the Cuyahoga.