Four cliff-jumping rescues in a single week prompt warning message about Colorado spot

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to stop jumping from cliffs in the area of ​​a waterfall known locally as Left Hand.

According to the rescue team, a dangerous trend is emerging at this time of year: a series of accidents occur in this popular place, usually related to cliff jumping. The team responded to a total of four cliff jumping incidents at the location over the past week.

Despite signage in the area warning visitors of the dangers of cliff jumping on site, the problem persists. Jumping into shallow water at this location can result in broken bones and other serious injuries or even death.

One of the main risks of the pool at the base of the waterfall is that its depth can constantly vary depending on the changing flow of the stream that feeds into it.

“We would like to ask everyone to help us spread the word. Although swimming in the creek is a refreshing break from the heat, discourage others from heading to Left Hand to jump off a cliff,” writes l rescue team.

The same caution can be extended to many other places where cliff jumping is commonplace. Just because an area may be safe to jump in one day doesn’t mean it will be safe another time. Be very aware of the depth of the water before any cliff jumping and whether the water is deep enough to jump into safely.