Safety

Generation on Buford Tailwater raises the river by several feet within minutes, and it does not wait for anyone to get out of the way. These rules are non-negotiable.

• Sirens mean leave the water — now

  Don't finish the drift. Don't grab your gear. Walk to the bank and keep moving uphill.

  Sirens are audible only between the dam and the GA 20 bridge — downstream of GA 20 the published schedule is the warning.

• Cold water

  Year-round ~50°F discharge causes hypothermia in minutes. Dress in layers you can move in, and know how far you are from the bank.

• Monitor 1610 AM near the dam

  USACE Mobile District announces dam operations on 1610 AM near the dam. Keep a receiver with you.

• Never go alone

  Bring a partner. If you must fish alone, tell someone where and when you expect to return, and stay within sight of the bank.

• Wear a wader belt

  A cinched wader belt buys you minutes when water pushes in. It's the single cheapest piece of gear you own.

Always verify current dam status with USACE Mobile District before entering the water: water.sam.usace.army.mil/buford.htm