2010 News Archive 

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River alert! Water releases from Lake Lanier are less predictable

In the last week of May, Johns Creek rescue units were dispatched three times to stranded waders and frolickers in Chattahoochee River. Swift response and good luck averted a tragedy, but people who play in the river need to be alert and take precautions, especially now that releases from Lake Lanier are less predictable.

This year, there have been six to 10 rescue calls on the river from Buford Dam to Morgan Falls. Two were fatalities.

"The Chattahoochee is a powerful river and it needs to be treated with respect," said Johns Creek Fire Chief Joseph Daniels. "Focus on safety. If you don't, you'll pay the price."

With Lake Lanier at full pool and rain falling regularly again, the U.S. Corps of Engineers is releasing water on an as-needed basis rather than on a set schedule as before. That can catch people unawares.

"A lot of people go to the river a couple of times when we're not releasing and they think it's a serene river, but when we release, it can go from serene to whitewater in a few minutes," said Park Ranger Pamela Shelton.

The Corps does try to give some notice before releasing water downstream from the lake. People can find out about releases by calling 770-945-1466 or by listening to 1610 AM on their radio. The announcements may precede releases by a few hours or even minutes. Four warning sirens have been placed between Buford Dam and State Road 20. The water release will occur within minutes after the sirens stop.

During a release, the water level in the Chattahoochee River can surge 11 feet higher in a matter of minutes. Not only that, the current will boom as well. For the unwary, a playful situation can turn dangerous very quickly.

"Just about everyone I've dealt with was taken by surprise," said Daniels. "They're out there, and the water level came up and they didn't know what to do. Do I stay or do I swim? If you see an increase in flow or water level, it's time to get out."

And, he said, they were cold. The water is 47 degrees out of the lake.

"Water and hypothermia are a problem," said Johns Creek Firefighter Greg Rock, a certified Swift Water Rescue instructor. "Cold is one of the biggest factors. People aren't ready for it. They struggle for a while and then hypothermia overtakes them and they can't swim to shore or keep their heads above water."

Under the tutelage of Rock and Firefighter Clinton Crites, the City Fire Department is training 20 of its firefighters in swift water rescue. They are training firefighters from Sandy Springs and Roswell as well.

Some tips for surviving the river:

• Call ahead of time to see when the Corps of Engineers plans to release water, or better yet, call just before entering the river - Be aware of the time and head for the shore when the release is scheduled. Even though it may take a while for the water to get to you, don't wait.

• When you're in the water, wear a floatation device – at least then you probably won't drown, although you could be seriously banged up from hitting rocks, trees and other obstacles as you're carried downstream.

• Keep an eye on the water level – note the water level on a solid fixture, such as a bridge support. Later, if the water level is higher on the fixture, don't assume it's a fluke. The water is rising and it's time to get out!

• Just because you're in a boat, don't assume you're safe. At least one drowning occurred when a boat struck rocks broadside and flipped.

• Make sure someone knows where you are. Then, if you're stranded or clinging to a rock with rushing water tugging at you, someone can find you and alert authorities.

• Pay attention to where you are – there are mile-markers along the river. That way if you do have to make an emergency call, you can tell authorities where to find you.

For more information, see the US Army Corps of Engineers safety tips for Lake Lanier. Or download and print the attached Chattahoochee Water Safety flyer to share at your next river outing.