Boaters Safe After Canoe Capsizes in Chattahoochee

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.

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Gwinnett firefighters responded to the scene at 4:37 p.m. Swiftwater rescue crews from the Gwinnett, John’s 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.

More from Gwinnett Fire

Firefighters encourage river-goers to monitor the water generation schedule at Buford Dam and know when the water level is expected to reach various points along the river. Never attempt to boat, swim or fish on the river during water generation times. To check the water generation schedule, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 770.945.1466. River conditions can change unexpectedly, causing swift currents and water rise as much as 11-feet in some areas. The cold waters of the river (44-58 degrees year-round) can be unforgiving to anyone in distress.