Boaters Safe After Canoe Capsizes in Chattahoochee

By Scott Bernarde

Two canoe paddlers escaped serious injuries after their boat was capsized by swift currents on the Chattahoochee River late Friday afternoon.

The incident happened sometime after 4 p.m. around the Settles Bridge area, while electricity generation at the Buford Dam caused the water to rise.

Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said rescuers from multiple agencies responded to the river after a police helicopter spotted the capsized canoe and called the fire department about the possible emergency. No emergency call was received by Gwinnett 911 about any river emergency during that time, Rutledge said.

See also:

• City: Check Release Schedule Before Entering Chattahoochee River

Gwinnett firefighters responded to the scene at 4:37 p.m. Swiftwater rescue crews from the Gwinnett, Johns Creek and Forsyth fire departments were preparing for a search-and-rescue operation when a call was received that two adults had exited the river and were safe.

“We are fortunate that the pair was wearing life jackets and that they were able to exit the river safely,” Rutledge said.

Rutledge said the paddlers confirmed they were capsized, but were able to get out of the water at the Wild Wimber subdivision on the Gwinnett side of the river.

The boaters told authorities they put in at the dam and intended to take out at Settles Bridge. They were not aware of the generation schedule at Buford Dam. The rising waters pushed the canoe and caused it to capsize after hitting a tree limb.

The city of Johns Creek encourages all residents to check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ water release schedule before they get into the river.

During the summer, the Johns Creek Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team responds several times a month to emergency calls to rescue people from the frigid, rushing water of the river. In some cases, they’re asked to help recover bodies.

“The surge of water doesn’t come in a crashing wave,” said Johns Creek Fire Chief Jeff Hogan. “The water level just rises, and if people aren’t paying attention, they can suddenly find themselves stranded on a rock that’s about to go underwater or in a boat that’s being pushed downstream by the current.”

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

“We’re asking people to please check ahead to see when releases are scheduled,” Hogan said. “Always wear floatation devices, and focus on safety.”

You can review the city’s tips for enjoying the Chattahoochee River by clicking here.

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