For the third time this year, someone has drowned in a Cobb County area of the Chattahoochee River that is popular with swimmers.
David Anthony Bush, a 22-year-old Marietta man, went under the water while trying to swim across the river in the Sandy Point Park area, Cobb police spokeswoman Alicia Chilton said. The location is near Akers Mill Road.
About 6 p.m. Monday, police and fire personnel were called to the area, Chilton said. Bush’s body was found about 8 p.m.
The Cobb medical examiner’s office has taken jurisdiction of the body, Chilton said.
In May, Aaron Asher Daniels, 18, of Duluth, drowned after he tried to swim across the river in this area, officials said.
In June, Adil Chowdhury, 18, of Atlanta, was swimming with family and friends in the area when witnesses said he disappeared, officials said. Divers found the body in 16 feet of water.
After the latest fatal incident in the area, officials with the National Park Service talked about their reaction and advice.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families who have lost a loved one in the Chattahoochee River. Safety is our highest priority at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,” Superintendent Bill Cox said. “Educating, informing and enforcing safety regulations helps save lives.”
Also, spokeswoman Ardrianna McLane said life jackets are important during recreation in open bodies of water like the Chattahoochee.
“Visitors who do not wear life jackets can unexpectedly find themselves in life-threatening situations while swimming/recreating in rivers,” McLane said. “When someone is swimming in a backyard pool, they can hold onto the edge when they get tired. There is nothing like that on the river, so it is important to wear a properly fitting life jacket and stay safe.”
