Gwinnett Swift Water Rescue Team Saves Fisherman

The Gwinnett Fire Swift Water Rescue Team rescued a fisherman clinging to a bridge support after becoming trapped by rising water at the Ga. Hwy. 20 Bridge and the Chattahoochee River Sunday.

Gwinnett and Forsyth County firefighters responded to a report of a fisherman needing assistance about 5 p.m. When firefighters arrived they found a 28-year-old male clinging to the bridge support, reported Charles Wells, deputy chief of operations for Gwinnett Fire/Emergency Services.

Firefighters lowered a life vest and secured the fisherman with ropes, he said, then members of the Gwinnett Fire Swift Water Rescue Team arrived with a boat and rescued the fisherman. The rescue was completed at 5:45 p.m.

The fisherman was assessed by paramedics and was released with no injuries, according to Wells. The victim was not wearing a life vest while fishing, Wells said. 

“The fisherman was caught off guard by the rising water during a water release at Buford Dam,” Wells said. “We would like to remind anyone 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 Ga. Hwy. 20 to alert visitors 20 minutes before water is released.”