CLEVELAND, Ga. -- The man who sparked an unnecessary search of the Chattahoochee River last weekend talked about the incident with CBS Atlanta Monday.

Emergency officials spent all night searching for Robert Preston, 33, of Norcross, who fell off a floatation tube and into the Chattahoochee River while with friends.

"I looked back, and there was no one behind me. I'm with a good 15 people," Preston said.

White County spokeswoman Ana Newberry said Preston didn't call the county's emergency 911 center until 7:30 Sunday morning to say he was at a relative's house and was OK.

Preston told CBS Atlanta's Michelle Marsh that he did seek help immediately. Preston said he became scratched by limbs and bushes and he ran through some woods looking for help.

"I heard a chopper come over. I was trying to wave them down with my raft that I ripped in half, but no one stopped and i was screaming constantly," Preston said.

Preston later realized he was near a relative's house and went there to call 911.

About 20 people took part in the search, which also included helicopters and boats. The search cost approximately $3,500. There was no immediate word on whether White County would make Preston repay the county.

"If you're going to charge me for not being found, that's ridiculous. That's your job," Preston said.