Rising Waters Strand Fishermen Near Bowman’s Island

BUFORD, GA – Four men were rescued Saturday by the Gwinnett Fire Department when they were fishing from the a rock in the middle of the Chattahoochee River near Bowman’s Island and the water level became too turbulent for them to cross back to shore. There were no injuries reported.

Firefighters responded at 7 p.m., to a 911 Center via transfer from Forsyth County. The caller said 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.

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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.

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: one engine, one ladder truck, one medic unit, one swift water rescue unit and one battalion chief.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department