Forsyth Fire, State Agencies Talk River Safety Before Labor Day

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — Representatives from the Forsyth County Fire Department, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Parks Service and the Army Corps of Engineers recently addressed topics surrounding river water safety ahead of the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

The primary focus of the briefing, which was held at Buford Dam’s Lower Pool West Park, was safety on the Chattahoochee River, particularly near the dam.

“The flow of the river changes rapidly during a release,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resource Manager Nicholas Baggett. “If you hear the (water release warning) horn, you need to get out of the water as soon as possible.”

The U.S. Corps 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.

• For a Buford Dam water release schedule, call 770-945-1466 or 1-855-DAM-FLOW (1-855-326-3569).

• Life jackets must be worn by anyone on the river between Buford Dam and the GA Hwy. 20 bridge.

• During a release, the Chattahoochee River can rise as much as 11 feet in minutes.
• Keep an eye on the water level. Note the water level on a solid fixture, such as a bridge support, and check it periodically. If the water level has risen, it's time to get out.
• Always make sure someone knows here you are and if swimming in the river, use a buddy system.
• Use the mile markers along the river so you know exactly where you are.

“It can be easy for even an advanced swimmer or knowledgeable angler to underestimate the intensity of the river’s current during a water release from the dam,” said Forsyth County Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers. “The Forsyth County Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Unit responds to calls of people stranded in the river’s quickly rising waters more often than we would like. We hope that all residents planning on enjoying the river this weekend will use caution and stay safe.”