During a media briefingon Aug. 27, representatives from the Forsyth County Fire Department, GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources, the National Parks Service and the Army Corpsof Engineers addressed topics surrounding river water safety ahead of the upcomingLabor Day weekend.

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

“The flow of the riverchanges rapidly during a release,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers NaturalResource 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 releaseswater from Buford Dam during weekday afternoons unless there are unusualdownstream water demands or especially heavy rains. In those situations,unscheduled water releases can come in the morning and on weekends.

Chattahoochee Riversafety tips:

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

-        Lifejackets must be worn by anyone on the river between Buford Dam and the GA Hwy.20 bridge.

-        Duringa release, the Chattahoochee River can rise as much as 11 feet in minutes.

-        Keepan eye on the water level. Note the water level on a solid fixture, such as abridge support, and check it periodically. If the water level has risen, it'stime to get out.

-        Alwaysmake sure someone knows where you are and if swimming in the river, use a buddysystem.

-        Usethe mile markers along the river so you know exactly where you are.

“It can be easy for evenan advanced swimmer or knowledgeable angler to underestimate the intensity ofthe river’s current during a water release from the dam,” said Forsyth CountyFire Division Chief Jason Shivers.

“The Forsyth County FireDepartment’s Swift Water Rescue Unit responds to calls of people stranded inthe river’s quickly rising waters more often than we would like. We hope thatall residents planning on enjoying the river this weekend will use caution andstay safe.”