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Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers want people to stop risking their safety for selfies after another incident at Josephine Falls, 75 kilometres south of Cairns.
Emergency services were called there on November 13 after a woman fell five metres, allegedly from a restricted access area.
Ranger-in-Charge, Leigh Willis, said the woman is lucky to be alive.
“We have investigated the recent incident and it is alleged that the person fell from a restricted access area.
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“They are incredibly lucky to have avoided serious injury or death.
“We identified the top pool of Josephine Falls as a high-risk area due to recurring incidents and closed it to the public several years ago to help keep people safe.
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“Every year, thousands of visitors enjoy the waterfalls in the national parks near Cairns and Innisfail.
“Most people pay attention to our safety signs, which are there to help keep our visitors safe.
“We’re urging people to stop ignoring warning signs and safety barriers.
“Every year, thousands of visitors enjoy the waterfalls in the national parks near Cairns and Innisfail.
“Unfortunately, rangers and emergency services have assisted people who ignored the signs and sustained serious injuries, and there have been tragic cases when fatalities have occurred.
“Many visitors believe it won’t happen to them, and they ignore warning signs and safety barriers to get the perfect selfie for likes on social media.
“We are asking people to stop and think about the price they could pay for that selfie, which could be a fine, life-changing injuries, or worse,” Ranger Willis said.
In May this year, three people became stranded by rapidly rising water at the Josephine Falls swimming area.
A swift water rescue team retrieved the two adults and one teenager.
Flash flooding is possible at Josephine Falls at any time of year.
In February 2016, UK citizen Thomas Hunt drowned while swimming at Josephine Falls.
Coroner, Nerida Wilson, found Mr Hunt was unaware rainfall in the Mount Bartle Frere catchment had caused a rapid change in water conditions.
He had been caught in the turbulent conditions and was swept away from the creek bank and into rapid water.
In January 2018, South Korean citizen Youngeun Kim became stranded on a boulder at Bottom Pool at Josephine Falls.
Emergency services were called but Ms Kim was swept into rising, fast-moving water before a rescue could be commenced.
An inquest found she drowned and had sustained a head injury.
Coroner Wilson, who investigated both deaths, said people must take personal responsibility for their safety “by heeding warnings and measures that are already in place at Josephine Falls.
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Ranger Willis said safety is the highest priority.
“To help keep people safe, rangers regularly visit Josephine Falls, and with the storm season approaching, sudden rises in river levels can turn the peaceful swimming spot into a deadly torrent in minutes.
“I don’t like issuing $431 fines and generally take an educational approach, but if people continue to jump the safety barriers and ignore the warning signs, enforcement is the only option.
“A selfie that costs $431 isn’t worth it, so read the signs, understand the safety measures in place and our visitors won’t fall off a high rock face, get swept away by a strong current, or get fined by a ranger.
“We want everyone who visits Josephine Falls to enjoy the area, have fun and get home safely.”
Main points
- QPWS says people are ignoring safety signs and barriers at Josephine Falls
- People are risking their safety for selfies
- A $431 fine applies for disobeying warning signs
