Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite says there been about two drownings and eight rescues since May 3rd. He advises people, especially out-of-towners, to stay safe over the summer.
Saferite believes there's been a rise in drownings and rescues because now that people are allowed out, the park has a better chance at social distancing. "Out in nature I guess, is the less chance of worrying about it, but when the water is up in Little River is not the time to go swimming in it. It's a beautiful place to go look and see," says Saferite.
Saferite says it's dangerous when there's bad weather. "Heavy rains, especially heavy rains that we have had recently is not the time to get into the water."
Officials have posted on site the water flow. Anything more than 500 cubic feet per second is dangerous.
Saferite says rescues takes the effort from several first responders.