Thursday March 28th, 2024 8:51AM

Gwinnett fire crews practice river rescues

By Brian Stewart
BUFORD - The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services' Swiftwater Rescue Team (SRT) is prepared for the upcoming busy boating season thanks to a round of training on the Chattahoochee River.
 
The team took to the water on Thursday, focusing on rescue boat operations and pulling people out of the water and onto boats.
 
Lt. Matthew Jamieson, one of the leaders of the SRT, said this time of the year is perfect for training.
 
"We have warmer temperatures, so it's easier on our personnel (and) not stressing them, inducing hypothermia or anything like that," said Jamieson.
 
He said they have some fresh faces on the team, so they wanted to get them some live-action training before the busy season rolls in.
 
The team trained in the pool below the dam while it was flowing, practicing on the higher water levels and swifter currents; Jamieson said this lets them work without worrying about hitting rocks or debris along the bottom of the river.
 
One thing they do try to simulate, though, is rescuing an actual person instead of a dummy.
 
"We provide our own victims. A dummy...it's just going to float lifelessly down, which could be a scenario, and we'll change up things (later) where we've got a victim that can't assist (rescuers)," said Jamieson.
 
As scary as it can be to be struggling in a river, Jamieson said it can also be scary at times for rescuers who are used to dealing with the high tides and currents.
 
"As far as the fear factor...I'm scared of anybody who says they're not scared, but it's something we train for. And the constant training helps us develop the experience to handle the situation and a level of comfort in that environment," said Jamieson.
 
As for the recruits that get their first taste of action, Jamieson said there's a specific type that he likes on his team.
 
"Personally I prefer someone who wants to be here as opposed to someone who gets assigned to us...This environment is not just about swimming and riding in boats. It's about harsh conditions," said Jamieson, adding that the "adventurous sort" are often a good fit.
 
Ideally, the team would rather not have to perform any real rescues at all.
 
"I think the biggest thing is (people) just not realizing the environment that they're in," said Jamieson.
 
Specifically, he said swimmers, boaters, and the like should be mindful whenever the dam is released.
 
Sirens sound near the dam in the "dangerous water area," but people farther up stream might be out of ear shot to know when the river will surge.
 
"Somebody can be out on rocks and the river will rise, and it'll take them by surprise," said Jamieson.
 
The easiest fix, he said, is to wear a life jacket, recognize personal limitations with regards to swimming, and pay attention to any warning signs posted in the area.
  • Associated Categories: Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: Chattahoochee River, Buford Dam, Gwinnett County Fire Department, Swiftwater rescue
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