Crime & Safety

Man Rescued From Chattahoochee

Fisherman caught off guard by rising water at Buford Dam.

Gwinnett County firefighters and a Swift Water team rescued a man Sunday from the Chattahoochee River at the Highway 20 bridge after he fell victim to rising waters from a water release at Buford Dam.

Rescuers found a man, 28, clinging to a bridge support. Firefighters lowered a life vest and secured the victim with ropes. Then members of the Swift Water Rescue team arrived with a boat for the victim. The man was assessed by paramedics and released without injuries. He was not wearing a life vest while fishing, reported Charles Wells of Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services. assisted in the rescue.

Gwinnett firefighters remind those visiting the river to contact the Corps of Engineers at 770-945-1466 or tune to AM 1610 in the area of Buford Dam for water release times. Warning sirens are in place from Buford Dam to Highway 20 to alert visitors 20 minutes before water is released.

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