ATLANTA — Atlanta firefighters rescued six adults who became stranded along the Chattahoochee River near the East Palisades Trail on Saturday afternoon.
The adults were on a riverbank beneath interstate bridges when Atlanta Fire Rescue crews responded July 25. The department used boat, drone and ground resources to reach the group and remove everyone from the area.
No injuries were reported.
Authorities did not report how the six adults became stranded or provide additional details about the circumstances leading to the rescue. The available incident reports do not indicate that any member of the group failed to follow river-safety guidance.
The East Palisades Trail is part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which includes river access and hiking areas through metro Atlanta. Conditions on the river can change because of weather and water released from upstream dams.
What visitors should check before entering the river
The National Park Service advises visitors to check the river flow and dam-release schedules before getting on the water. Releases can cause water levels to rise quickly, including in places where conditions previously appeared manageable.
Visitors should also know the rules for personal flotation devices. The park service says everyone aboard a boat must have a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available. Children younger than 13 must wear one while a vessel is underway unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Certain stretches and conditions carry additional requirements. Anyone planning a trip should review the current National Park Service guidance before entering the water rather than assuming the same rules apply throughout the corridor.
The Chattahoochee remains cold even during summer. The park service warns that cold water can rapidly affect a person’s ability to swim or respond to an emergency. Wearing a life jacket can help keep someone afloat if they unexpectedly enter the water.
Weather and emergency guidance
Thunderstorms are another concern for people hiking, fishing, paddling or spending time near the river. The National Park Service advises visitors to leave the water when lightning is present and seek appropriate shelter.
Anyone facing an injury or a direct threat to life or safety should call 911. Providing dispatchers with the clearest available location information can help responders determine where to send resources along a corridor that includes trails, roads, bridges and multiple access points.
People traveling downstream through the national recreation area should plan their takeout point in advance. The park service identifies Paces Mill as the last takeout within the park. Missing it could carry visitors beyond the recreation area’s managed access points.
Saturday’s response brought together crews working by water, air and land to reach the stranded group. All six adults were removed safely, and the operation ended without reported injuries.
