70 Foot Plunge Off Glenn Waterfall Leads To Second Thoughts

June 27, 2009

What started off as an effort to get a better waterfall photograph ended with a Florida teenager falling down the 70 foot waterfall .

Climbing out onto the top of a waterfall just isn’t worth the better view.
Jason Jackson said he learned that lesson after surviving a 70-foot plunge down Glen Falls in Macon County that left him with broken bones and bruises.
The 16-year-old St. Augustine, Fla., resident said he strayed beyond a small fence designating a safe viewing area when he lost his footing trying to get a better photo.
“Where I was standing, it felt very safe,” Jackson said Friday from his bed at Mission Hospital, where he was flown by helicopter after the Tuesday afternoon fall. “But I wouldn’t advise anyone to do it after what happened to me.”
Jackson suffered two broken vertebrae, a skull fracture and punctured foot, but he said he’s expected to fully recover.

There is no doubt that Jason Jackson was a very lucky young man to be around and to have regrets. The Citizens Time reports that at least 11 people have died since 2001 falling off waterfalls in western North Carolina.
Photography is a passion of mine but safety is important to think about when getting that perfect shot. Over the years I’ve witnessed a number of people taking crazy risks to get photographs or a better view. A few things I try to always remember;
Watch where you step or plan to Step- You may be looking at a spectacular view in front of you and miss danger right at your feet be it unlevel or lose ground or something else.
Barriers and Trails are designed to keep you safe
Wild animals are always wild no matter how tame they may seem
Weather and water can quickly make an easy trail a slick dangerous trek
Wear footwear for footing and safety and not so much for style.
And my last piece of advice I learned as kid one summer when taking sailing lessons and have used it for many situations throughout life.
“When in doubt Chicken out”