Bartow Fire Department To Install Mile Marker Signs On Etowah River

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- Bartow County Fire Department personnel on Wednesday began installing mile marker signs along the Etowah River.

The signs will help water sports enthusiasts locate their position on the river during times of emergencies.

"Often crews spend valuable time searching for victims on the river because they cannot tell us where exactly they are," the agency said on its Facebook page.

Fire stations equipped with response boats near the Etowah River will also have maps identifying the location of markers, which should help speed up response times to those in need.

An increase in fishing, kayaking and tubing along the river has, unsurprisingly, resulted in an increase of calls for service to the area, the department notes.

Bartow County fire said its counterparts in Floyd and Gordon counties are looking to roll out similar projects on their respective waterways.

Officials hope to have all the signs installed on the river before the warmer weather and spring recreational season rolls around.

Image via Bartow County Fire Department