WATERFALL SAFETY

Waterfalls are one of my favourite natural wonders. I am lucky to have so many here in Wales and am a frequent visitor to them. Many differences occur during different times of the year and in varying weather conditions, I enjoy taking photographs of them all year round. I highly recommend a visit to our magnificent waterfalls to anyone who enjoys natural beauty. However I have to stress the importance of sensible footwear and extreme caution when walking. Most of the waterfalls require a long difficult walk, including very high narrow tracks of sometimes no more than a foot wide with a deep ravine and sheer drop to the side, and encountering very rough untamed terrain along the way. Many involve a steep climb in order to be viewed at their best, and the ideal time is after rainfall when the ground is muddy, slippery and even more dangerous. Rocks around waterfalls can be extremely slippery, even if they look dry a little moss on a rock can soon become like an ice rink! On several visits to the waterfalls I have been appalled to see many ladies wearing totally unsuitable footwear, including sandals, flip-flops, slip-ons, scholls, low backs, no backs, thin straps, no straps, and even high heels... a few men and children were also seen wearing summer sandals!. It is very important to have proper walking/climbing shoes/boots, or strong trainers with good ankle support and non-slip soles, whatever the weather!. Swimming is not recommended as the water is often colder and deeper than it looks and has hidden currents. Never swim in or around waterfalls, or jump into the pools from above. There are not only hidden currents and unexpected depths and cold temperatures, there could also be rocks or other obstacles which you cannot see, not to mention in some places there may even be dangerous wildlife lurking in the water!. I sincerely hope the people I saw with unsuitable shoes returned safely from their walks... Fatalities and accidents have occurred at many waterfalls, please don`t be next!. I also must mention the walks are not recommended for elderly, disabled, unfit or infirm as they are very strenuous and hazardous... and mobile phones often don`t pick up a signal out in the wilds, even for an emergency!.  Although I mainly visit the beautiful waterfalls of South Wales, I occasionally travel a bit further afield to see waterfalls in other places ( I took the photo above in North Yorkshire). I must point out that wherever they are, the same safety advice will apply. It doesn`t matter if they are only a foot high or several hundred feet high, they all carry hidden dangers and should be visited with care and with regard to personal safety. Never assume that a waterfall that looks calm, harmless and tranquil, will be so!. Also please respect the waterfall and environment, as well as all the nature and wildlife surrounding it. Please never leave rubbish behind and always obey any requests and bylaws of the local area. Never place anything in or around the water which may become a hazard, pollute the water or the environment or endanger wildlife. Waterfalls are beautiful and should be left in their natural splendour so we can all continue to enjoy them. The Brecon Beacons National Park politely ask visitors to... "Take Nothing But Photographs, Leave Nothing But Footprints, Kill Nothing But Time" That says it all... please follow this simple request, but not just in Wales! I hope if you decide to visit some waterfalls that you have a safe and enjoyable walk... Thank You :-) Why not visit my Waterfall Gift Shop whilst online, click the link below CYMRU CASCADES