Falls safety warning

A FAR North wilderness safety researcher and search and rescue expert has warned signage is not the only answer to many of the region’s hazardous sites, saying more people should be educated before heading to waterfalls.

PHD researcher and SES volunteer Steve Schwartz says many tourists would refrain from visiting sites such as Isabella Falls, where a 19-year-old Manunda woman was killed on Monday, with adequate knowledge of risks.

“What I (have) realised is we are good at finding people, what we aren’t good at is understanding how people get themselves into trouble,” Mr Schwartz said. “They don’t know the environment until it’s too late and tragedy happens.

“People shouldn’t be climbing up there or being around the drops or edges unless they’re really skilled or have the right knowledge.”