20-year-old man goes missing while swimming in Chattahoochee River, police say
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Cobb County police said divers are searching for a 20-year-old man who possibly drowned while swimming with friends in the Chattahoochee River.
The Cobb County Fire Swift Water Rescue team was called to the river, near Akers Mill, Monday afternoon. A man was swimming when he went under and did not resurface. They searched for hours, but did not find him.
Crews search for the body of a man who was seen slipping under the water while swimming in the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County on June 6, 2022, and did not resurface. (FOX 5 / FOX 5 Atlanta)
The Cobb County Police Search and Recovery team picked up the operation early Tuesday morning. Divers went in the water, while others searched by boat.
"They're checking the banks, the channel, pretty much everything," said Cobb Police Officer Shenise Barner.
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Crews search for the body of a man who was seen slipping under the water while swimming in the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County on June 6, 2022, and did not resurface. (FOX 5)
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also had their boat which is equipped with sonar on the river.
Police said Monday afternoon, a little after 4 p.m., the 20-year-old man was swimming with a group of friends.
Crews search for the body of a man who was seen slipping under the water while swimming in the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County on June 6, 2022, and did not resurface. (FOX 5)
"Their intention was to swim across to the diving rock, but because the current was moving so fast yesterday it pushed them down the river," said Officer Barner.
The diving rock is a popular spot along the river. Many like to climb it and jump into the river.
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Crews search for the body of a man who was seen slipping under the water while swimming in the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County on June 6, 2022, and did not resurface. (FOX 5)
Matt Burgess lives nearby and said he often sees groups of people hang out in the area.
"Fun place to hang out on the other side of the river, I don't think I'd be jumping off anytime soon," said Burgess.
Crews search for the body of a man who was seen slipping under the water while swimming in the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County on June 6, 2022, and did not resurface. (FOX 5)
Officer Barner is on the dive team. She encourages everyone to wear a life vest in the river.
"It doesn't matter if you're an experienced swimmer, if you're going in any open water, you need to wear a life vest," said Officer Barner.