One of my favorite things to do is to go waterfall hunting. I am not sure what it is that is so alluring about a waterfall. The rush of the water, the splash at the bottom, the sound as the water bounds against the rocks or the simple beauty of the sun reflecting off the spray. Whatever mystical feeling that draws me to the falls, I am a fan.
Utah County has an abundance of amazing waterfalls and on warm summer days we often find ourselves wading in the waterfall pools, practicing our photography skills or braving the cold water under the falls for a head to toe soak.
With all the beauty that goes along with having waterfalls nearby, comes individual responsibility. Every year, people get injured at our waterfalls. Why is that? Waterfalls don’t reach out and pull someone over the falls or push them off the trail. No, mistakes are made by individuals. The best way to prevent accidents from happening is through education on 1) safety and 2) what to do in case of an emergency.
In speaking with Steve Gorrell, the president of the UCSSAR (Utah County Sheriff Search and Rescue), he points out that the most common injury is injuring the leg typically resulting from the steep terrain found around many waterfalls.
He continues to explain that waterfall injuries fall under one of two causes. The first is that someone slips or falls while hiking or climbing around the falls. Remember that it is easier to go up than to come down in many instances.
The second cause of injury is when something falls from above and hits an individual below. It is important to be aware of what is going on above you as you are hiking. People can dislodge rocks or debris. After a winter season, the ground is saturated and in the spring as the waters flow, this saturation can cause rocks to shift and become loose which increases chances of something dislodging and falling below.
Here are 9 waterfall safety tips to keep in mind:
- Be aware of winter melt and spring run-off and the power that gives to the falls and rivers. This year will be particularly challenging given the shear amount of snow that fell this winter.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes and stay on designated paths
- Be aware of what is going on above you
- Do not jump from waterfalls
- Do not attempt to climb up the side of the waterfall as the rocks can be slippery and the ground unstable
- Stay in safe water and never swim near where the falls hit the ground or anywhere near the top of the waterfall where the current could sweep you over the top
- Have situational awareness which is being aware of your surroundings, thinking things through, slowing down and paying attention to any hazards.
- Avoid slick surfaces
- Don’t throw anything over a waterfall or from the top of a waterfall to avoid injuring others below
- Avoid taking selfies when you are near an edge or are on an unstable surface – the photo window on phones does not accurately represent distances
Now that we know what to do and not do, what happens if we have an accident, someone we are with has an accident or we come upon an accident?
Here in Utah we have what is called the good samaritan law. This protects you if you are ever in the position where you need to help someone and you do your best to save them.
78B-4-501. Good Samaritan Law
“A person who renders emergency care at or near the scene of, or during, an emergency, gratuitously and in good faith, is not liable for any civil damages or penalties as a result of any act or omission by the person rendering the emergency care…”
The first thing to do is make sure it is safe for you to help. This means looking around to survey the situation and assessing the risks involved.
Call 911 immediately or put someone in charge of going to get help. This may be necessary if cell phones do not have coverage in the area.You will need to know your location and give a brief explanation of what has happened.
Search and Rescue services should be immediately dispatched so they can reach the victim as soon as possible. Here in Utah County we are asked to call the Sheriff’s office at 801-794-3970 when we need SAR (Search and Rescue). Our SAR team is made up of about 50 volunteers with varying skills. They are a wonderful group who have a desire to help out of the goodness of their hearts.
Ask the victim if you can help. If you do not know them, be sure to introduce yourself. Offer help to whatever level of training you have. If you have first-aid training and can stop the bleeding, do it. If you have CPR training and they are in need of CPR, give it. Stay with the victim until SAR or someone with a higher level of training reaches you.
Be prepared to tell the rescue group what happened, what has been done and what complaints the individual has.
Our waterfalls can be a safe and great outing if we simply follow the tips to waterfall safety and know what to do in the case of an emergency.
Happy waterfall hunting!