On Aug. 11 it was announced that a section of the Cedar River that had been closed for more than a year due to a logjam is now open for recreational use.

An inspection by the King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue and Dive unit approved work that had been done by the county’s Water and Land Resources Division, Road Services Division and the Washington Conservation Corps to mitigate any hazards caused by the jam.

“We are happy to announce that the Cedar River is open to the public,” said Sheriff John Urquhart in a media release. “We want users to enjoy themselves but still remember that rivers are inherently dangerous.”

This nine-mile stretch of river between Renton and Maple Valley had been closed since July 2016.

With the reopening of this section of the Cedar River, the media release included these reminders when floating or boating on rivers and other bodies of water:

• Always wear a life jacket, regardless of your ability to swim.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs when recreating on the river.

• Watch children closely when they are on or near any type of water; stay close enough to reach them immediately.

• Always tell someone your route and when and where you expect to put in and take out.

• Have a back-up plan for emergency contact in case your trip is cut short by an unforeseen obstacle or emergency.

• Never float a river alone and, if possible, make sure there is at least one oared craft in your group in case a rescue is needed.

• Bring a dry bag with food, water, warm clothes and sturdy footwear for hiking around danger areas.