Safety Tips For Waterfall Hikers
Waterfalls are beautiful destinations for most hikers of all levels. Though, precautions must be taken when you visit these natural wonders. The hidden dangers in these beautiful places may lead to serious injury and death of visitors each and every year.
Keeping the following safety tips for waterfall hikes in Puerto Rico in mind can help keep you safe.
If there are warnings or instructions that have been posted at the waterfall, along the hike, or at the trailhead, you must obey them. The warnings have been placed there for your protection.
Make sure you stay on public land and marked Waterfall Trails in Puerto Rico. Do not venture onto private land and avoid the temptation to venture along trails created by visitors or through the wilderness in order to find a waterfall or better view.
Do not try to climb or go beyond fences or barriers into the restricted areas. If there are any observation platforms, stay on them. They have been created for your safety and enjoyment of the waterfall.
Tread carefully. Trails around the waterfalls are expected to be slippery from the mist coming off the fall.
- Do not lean over unprotected ledges.
- Do not climb on or around a waterfall. The surfaces are all slick and dangerous.
- Do not jump or dive from waterfalls or neighboring cliffs or rocks into the pool below the waterfall.
- Do not play in the water above the waterfall. Rocks and the river bottom are often slick. If the current catches you, you can be swept over the waterfall.
- If you want to swim, swimming downstream from the waterfall is often safer. You may even find a marked safe area for swimming.
- Some waterfalls may have polluted water. Do not swim or wade in water that has been deemed unsafe.
- Many waterfalls are in areas situated far from medical help.
- In case of safety, it is best to have a hiking buddy with you on the trails and also at the waterfall.
- Be careful to maintain safety, footing, and balance when taking photos.
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