Grand Canyon National Park staff are asking visitors to be careful during theri visit. On Tuesday, a visitor fell 500 feet to their death from Mather point after climbing over a railing there/NPS file photo
It's summer, you're in a national park, what's to worry about? Well, quite a lot, actually, if you're not careful. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, staff are hoping visitors have a great time, but asking that they take a few precautions to ensure they have a wonderful vacation. They do that in the wake of a visitor who fell 500 feet to their death on Tuesday.
* Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance from the edge of the rim. In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.
* Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times.
* Know where the edge is. Watch foot placement and look for trip hazards. Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts when near the rim.
* Know the altitude, the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet and the North Rim sits at just over 8,000 feet. Individuals coming from sea level or with health conditions should take time to acclimate to the elevation. Drink plenty of fluids, rest frequently, and do not overexert yourself.
* Check the weather! Monsoon season is quickly approaching and afternoon lightning and heavy rain become daily occurrences. Remember, when it roars go indoors.
* Stay a safe distance away from wild animals. A good rule is two bus lengths or if you can cover an animal with your thumb. Remember, do not feed or water wildlife.
Each year, Grand Canyon visitors suffer from slips, trips, and falls that can result in serious injury or even death. On Tuesday, rangers responded to reports of a visitor who had climbed over a railing at Mather Point, lost footing, and fell approximately 500 feet. The fall was fatal. At this time, an investigation is under way and no further information is available.
Grand Canyon National Park expects increased visitation through the weekend. Plan to arrive early and pack your patience. Parking lots can fill as early as 10 a.m. Prior to arriving at the park you can purchase a 7-day pass on your mobile device by visiting www.yourpassnow.com and selecting Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors are also encouraged to use the free shuttle bus system including the option to park in the gateway town of Tusayan and ride into the South Rim Village.
Comments
we were there the day before and left the morning this happened. My family continuously made fun of me for saying stay back from the ledge you never know what can happen. You or someone else can loose your footing and there is no coming back. 2 years ago when I was at the Grand Canyon a woman fell the day before I got there and died. Very sad.
When I questioned a Mom for letting her 3-4 yr. old run neat an unprotected edge of the canyon, her response was "if it was dangerous there would be a fence". You can't even help stupid.
"If it was dangerous there would be a fence"
Why I've long been opposed to fences, hand rails and an over abundance of warning labels and signs. People are being conditioned that they should be safe and protected everywhere. It also has the opposite impact in some cases where people ignore the warnings because they have seen so many cases of ridiculous warnings that they assume every one is for people afraid of their own shadow. Have you read an opperatorsmanual lately to see the insane warnings they list?
So, WP, how many dead children over the cliff would it take for the next dumb parent to be more cautious? The next dumb parent will be just as dumb.
I'll go ahead and put up fences and warning signs.
That's why they put a railing there, to keep people from doing stupid stuff, but they still find a way. I wonder if they do blood alcohol checks on the bodies and if that is a contributing factor?
And is a paid for by the US taxpayer to recover your body, maybe if your family had to pay to recover you, you might have a different opinion.
As I said, I'm really curious just how many broken children's bodies it will take for you self appointed quasi-darwinists to STFU and build more fences.
Was there not long ago and will forever have the Canyon etched in my thoughts. However we all must remember that this awesone gift of nature ( as for me a reminder of Gods handiwork) is still dangerous and we must exercise caution as we absorb all of the Grand Canyons splendor! THINK SAFTETY!!