Waterfalls are beautiful but can be dangerous

Two fatalities related to waterfalls occurred over recent days in North Carolina in the Pisgah National Forest.  An Atlanta-area woman was wading in the stream that flows over Rainbow Falls on the Pisgah Ranger District when she lost her footing and was swept over the falls by the current. Two days later a man jumped off the top of Elk River Falls on the Appalachian Ranger District. His body was recovered from the deep pool at the base of the waterfall. According to the U-S Forest Service, there have been many injuries to people who were recreating on or near waterfalls. The following advice is good advice to those who visit waterfalls, including the plentiful number of waterfalls in Oconee County. 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’s easy to lose your balance especially with bare feet.  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 beneath the surface of the water. Often waterfall pools have swirling water or currents that can drag and keep you underwater.