A number of firefighters from all over metro Atlanta have been out of the station and at a Six Flags water ride the last few days.

It’s not what it sounds like, though.

The first responders have been using Thunder River in the Austell amusement park to train for river rescues.

“Thunder River is a safe and fun attraction for park patrons, but it also mimics many of the turbulent waters that rescuers respond to each year,” according to the Gwinnett Fire Department.

Firefighters were brushing up on swimming across strong currents, practicing swiftwater rescue techniques, remembering how to deal with obstacles in the water and learning self-rescue and survival methods.

The department said that the ride is “an excellent example of basic river dynamics and hydrology features.”

Along with Gwinnett, firefighters from agencies in Marietta, Austell and Atlanta in addition to Cobb, Hall and Forsyth counties participated.

The City of Marietta posted a video on Facebook showing a behind-the-scenes look at the training.

Like Cobb County News Now on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A bus waits to move over 20 unhoused persons from the Old Wheat Street encampment to the Welcome House, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC