A popular swimming hole in Capitol Reef National Park has been closed for the rest of the summer due to torrential runoff that has created extremely dangerous conditions for swimmers.
Fremont Falls, located about six miles east of the park's visitor center on Highway 24, has witnessed three-near fatalities already this summer, according to park officials. As a result, several area agencies, as well as the Capitol Reef superintendent and the Wayne County (Utah) sheriff, have deemed the falls and their pool too great of a risk to public safety to remain open to swimming.
Created in 1962 by diverting the Fremont River from its natural bed, the original Fremont Falls stretched out approximately 100 feet wide as a thin skiff of water flowing over an underlying sandstone rock formation.
But after decades of erosion caused by natural water action, the Fremont Falls of today channels rapidly through a markedly narrower crevice. As with many waterfalls, the sections immediately above and below the fall itself pose serious threats to swimmers due to the strength of the water's pull.
Three recent near drownings -- on June 20 and July 15 -- prompted the official closure of the falls. Two of the victims were children, and one an adult who jumped in to save one of the children. None of three was breathing, nor did they have a pulse, upon being removed from the water. They were flown to hospitals in northern Utah and, somehow, all three survived with no apparent lasting effects.
“While we certainly want to provide an enjoyable visitor experience in the park, our highest responsibility is to ensure a safe visitor experience," says Capitol Reef Superintendent Al Hendricks. "The three recent near-drownings make it clear that there are serious, life-threatening conditions present at the waterfall for even strong swimmers.”
The extended closure will be lifted when the weather is too cold for swimming. Looking down the road, park officials are looking to reroute the river back to its original streambed next year.
Comments
"...and one of the good things we got out of that was a waterfall where we can go and have fun." Right...because the rest of the park isn't fun. You apparently can only have fun in water highly contaminated with fecal matter and other agricultural waste. If that's the only way you can have fun in a national park, then stay at home.
One (or two or three) of the bad thing to come out of that waterfall is the loss of several species, including an orchid and a frog. Those species have not been seen in about 20 years and it is due to the re-routing of the river.
The National Park Service is not here to create fun little swimming holes, it is here to "preserve and protect for future generations"
It was also against the law to jump at the waterfall and was clearly marked when I was there. That would be why the man got a ticket. You ignore the rules, you get fined. And I was also there when one person jumped and broke their ankle, so yes, it has really happened. RangerLady is telling the truth
A bit strident, Anon. Wonder if it comes out when you are among the commoners:).
Yes it is getting attention because of that - however - how about not hiding your name and tell us who you are??? When people are discussing issues it's nice to know who you are dealing with..
Taralyn Howard
Are all the Anonymous comments coming from people of the Park???? No one seems to want to let anyone know who they are talking to.... I'm not afraid of my name looks like you are???
Taralyn Howard, so, let's say I am a "peep of the Park" and did tack my name up. What would be your guess as to how my career would go after voicing some concerns about Park Policy? Do you really believe that ALL NPS are pure as the wind driven snow and not more concerned with making their own needs, desires and politics, a priority?
I do understand quite well the tendency to look at citizens as the masses instead of individuals who are looking for experiences that are, at best, transformational and at least an escape from torments of the culture. I'm just trying to add something to the conversation that holds on to the "individual" experience. Challenging and rewarding job Park Peeps have walking the line with protecting the resource and allowing that resource to truly be experienced. Just saying.
This has turned into an interesting line of comments. But one thing is being missed here -- no matter how many warning signs a park may install -- and no matter how hard they try to advise visitors to be careful -- someone will get hurt and sue.
And speaking from experience, it is never a pleasant experience to be one of those who must provide medical care or body recovery when things go wrong. Some things I dealt with 40 or more years ago still haunt my sleep.
So if rangers get a bit testy sometimes, try walking their shoes for while.
I was Anon @8:55am. I do not work for Capitol Reef, but I do visit often as it is one of my favorite parks. My name is Rachel White and I live in Virginia. I spend 2-3 weeks every summer visiting national parks and cherish the most beautiful places our country has to offer.
And Lee, you are so very right. People seem to love suing the NPS because they ignored signs and got hurt.
So much of this (sue happy) and so much of everything else rolls back to todays culture, I believe. I mean really, so much of what people think today our grandparents, if they knew, would have drowned them and told everybody they died. Interesting times, lol! I am hopeful:).