Waterfall Safety Reminders for Spring and Beyond

Originally published by the Transylvania Times on March 20, 2023. Written by FOG board member, Susan Banta. View the original article here.

Upper Bearwallow Falls is just one area of Gorges State Park where it pays to be ‘waterfall wise.’

Living in “the Land of Waterfalls” is a privilege that comes with responsibility.

Locals have the advantage of seeing some of the county’s waterfalls on a frequent basis, but sometimes that can lead to a sense of not seeing the forest for the trees because waterfalls are beautiful yet potentially deadly destinations if not given the respect they deserve.

Waterfalls are available year-round in Transylvania County, but as we begin a new season of spring hikes and outdoor adventures now is a great time to review waterfall safety.

You might be surprised to know that dozens of people have died and hundreds have been injured visiting waterfalls in Transylvania County.

Are you waterfall wise? Do you know the basic rules of waterfall safety and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim while hiking to a waterfall?

The Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority (TCTDA) has worked closely over the past several years with forest supervisors, park managers and a variety of public safety organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of waterfalls.

The “Be Waterfall Wise” initiative was created in 2017 to promote safe practices around waterfalls and as a result the number of injuries and fatalities has been greatly reduced.

This year the TCTDA plans to implement a “stronger waterfall safety campaign than in recent years … a bit of a promotional blitz,” according to TCTDA Executive Director Clark Lovelace, so be on the lookout for updated waterfall safety imagery and materials appearing around town as early as next month.

Waterfalls are often located in somewhat precarious spots and that adds to the excitement of reaching them.

In these moments of exhilaration, however, it is imperative to keep in mind that waterfalls are authentic occurrences in nature and although they are often enjoyed by humans they are not man-made structures engineered for human safety.

“Often when folks hike to a waterfall, they are mesmerized by the waterfall itself and take risks that they normally would not take,” said Gorges State Park Superintendent Kevin Bischof. “In trying to take a selfie or capture the ‘perfect’ photo, they step up on rocks or downed trees, or get too close to the edge without checking to see if a rock is wet or stable. They also don’t check to see if the edge they are standing on has any support underneath it or is slippery. It only takes a moment for the situation to go from bad to worse.”

At Gorges State Park guests can hike to see three waterfalls: Rainbow, Turtleback and Upper Bearwallow Falls. These are three of the 250 waterfalls in Transylvania County.

While at Gorges, you will see reminders around the park to be waterfall wise. When hiking to other waterfalls throughout the county, many waterfalls are in remote and often rugged terrain and this leads to longer response times for rescue personnel who sometimes put themselves in harm’s way for the rescue effort.

To be ‘waterfall wise’ and help others safely enjoy nature’s beauty, follow these steps:

• Observe all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.

• Do not swim or wade upstream from a waterfall.

• Watch for slick rocks around waterfalls.

• Do not jump off waterfalls or dive into pools.

• Do not climb on rocks above waist height.

• Watch your children and pets at all times.

• Stay on marked trails and observation areas.

To share this information with others visit www,explorebrevard.com/waterfall-safety/.

Taking a few minutes to review this information with family and friends can be the difference between an exhilarating outdoor experience and a dangerous one.