7 People, Including 2 Children, Rescued From Hooch

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Seven people, including two children, were rescued from the waters of the Chattahoochee River Friday afternoon in Johns Creek.

Deputy Fire Chief Pat O'Neill said the call came into 9-1-1 dispatchers 1:50 p.m. June 22, and noted several people were stranded on rocks in the river at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area near 9101 Barnwell Road.

Fortunately, O'Neill said Johns Creek Fire Department personnel were already in the area conducting a training operation, so they quickly took action and safely brought the residents to shore.

The group, consisting of five adults and two children, were wading in the water when, most likely, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released water from the Buford Dam, the deputy fire chief notes. This can cause the usually calm Chattahoochee River to become a hazardous spot for most residents, O'Neill added.

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Johns Creek fire crews routinely get calls from people who venture out into the river and later find themselves in a position where they can't make it back to shore.

It took about 15 to 20 minutes to complete Friday's rescue operation. However, O'Neill used the incident to remind residents that they should keep an eye out on the Army Corps of Engineers' schedule for water releases at the Buford Dam.

“That’s what gets people in trouble," he said.

During a release, the Chattahoochee can rise as much as 11 feet in minutes, according to the city of Johns Creek. The water can be as cold as 47 degrees, enough to bring on hypothermia and hamper efforts to swim to shore.

The Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Buford Dam during weekday afternoons unless there are unusual downstream water demands or especially heavy rains. In those situations, unscheduled water releases can come in the morning and on weekends.

Of course, residents are strongly encouraged to wear flotation devices anytime they plan on entering the Hooch.

You can check the water release schedule by calling 770-945-1466 or 1-855-DAM-FLOW (1-855-326-3569) for the Buford Dam water release schedule.

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