Crime & Safety

Gwinnett Fire Rescues 4 Children, 1 Adult from Yellow River

Update: The river rescue took place Thursday afternoon off Annistown Road.

Updated at 7:30 p.m.:  According to a press release from spokesman Lieutenant Colin S. Rhoden, Gwinnett Fire Rescue responded to a call at the Yellow River at 2:39 p.m.  

Fire rescue arrived at the Yellow River at the Annistown Road Bridge and found a total of five people in distress.  Three were holding onto the bridge support column while two others were further down the river.

The victims were attempting to exit the river, according to Lt. Rhoden's report, because of the rapid water conditions south of the bridge.  Three rafts got caught on rocks in the river and caused two of the victims to continue over the rocks and into some rough water. 

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Firefighters quickly assessed the scene, located the victims, and assisted the three who were by the bridge support to the bank of the river.  The other two victims were rescued by crew members throwing rescue rope from throw bags and towing them in. 

One adult and four children were rescued from the Yellow River by Gwinnett County first responders.  There were minor injuries including abrasions to some of the victims and all were released at the scene.  There were no rescuer injuries reported.

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Although required by law, none of those rescued were wearing life vests.  

"Gwinnett County officials strongly suggest always wearing  a life vest near moving water," said Lt. Rhoden in the report.  "Know the waters where you will be around, follow all water safety rules, make a plan and tell someone your plan and where you will be."


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