While beautiful, waterfalls pose risks to visitors. Each year serious injuries and fatalities occur at Georgia waterfalls.
The best way to enjoy a waterfall is from a safe distance. Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on or around waterfalls and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery and it is easy to lose your balance. Currents near waterfalls can be extremely swift even in areas further upstream.
Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools at the base of waterfalls. Rocks and logs can be hidden and swirling water currents can drag and keep you underwater.
Even if you have seen other people enjoy playing around waterfalls, be aware that they have been lucky to escape unharmed. Waterfalls are constantly changing with varying water flows and erosion of the rocks around them. The current from one place to the next may be faster than you anticipate, and the arrangement of rocks or other debris such as logs in the plunge pool is ever changing.
Waterfalls are exciting and rivers are a great place to cool off on a hot day, but both pose risks to visitors.
Have fun and enjoy the beauty, but please be safe!
Camp Observer
