Two men who were reported missing on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County were found safe at a hotel the next morning after they got lost while paddleboarding.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said the two men went paddleboarding at around 5 p.m. and left their phones so they would not damage or lose them. They were visiting the area and were not familiar with the lake.
Forsyth County dispatchers received a call around 9:30 p.m. reporting the men as missing. Authorities dispatched a drone team and a marine unit, along with several civilian boaters. Authorities searched surrounding islands, inlets, creeks and even extended their efforts to Lanier Islands.
Rain and limited visibility forced most of the search efforts to pause overnight, except for the FCSO Marine Unit and the Fire Marine boat. Georgia State Patrol Aviation was unable to assist due to weather. The search was resumed at first light, but the two men were found at a hotel at Lake Lanier Islands by an employee.
Emergency crews confirmed both men were safe and uninjured.
The men reportedly told authorities that they got lost on the water and ultimately decided to spend the night on an island. At dawn, they spotted the hotel and paddled over to seek help.
Their family picked them up from the hotel, and the FCSO Marine Unit transported the kayak and paddleboard back to the house.
“This was a good example of what to do if you get lost: seek help or find refuge/shelter for the night and seek help in the morning. Never try to navigate the water after dark if you are not familiar, and especially if you do not have lights. We are thankful for the outcome of this situation and are glad everyone involved is safe,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement on social media.
