(Buford, Ga., April 28, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 7:00 p.m., to a report of four adult males stranded on a rock in the middle of the Chattahoochee River near Bowman’s Island.  The call was received in the 9-1-1 Center via transfer from Forsyth County.  The caller stated that they were unable to traverse the river due to the strong current and rising waters.

The first arriving Engine crew performed a reconnaissance from the riverbank.  They made visual contact, but were not able to get close enough to communicate with the victims or affect a rescue from the shore.  The crew notified the fire department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team of their position and the changing river conditions.

Gwinnett Fire Boat-1 was deployed from the lower pool with firefighters onboard who are dual certified as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.  The team was able to gain access to the victims by boat and removed them safely to shore at Lower Pool Park.  There were no injuries reported.

The men were reportedly fishing from the rock when the water level began became too turbulent for them to cross back to shore.  Firefighters encourage rivergoers to pay attention to the changing river conditions and to avoid being on the river during generation times at Buford Dam. 

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 1-Engine, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Swiftwater Rescue Unit and 1-Battalion Chief