I'm so saddened to hear about the 3 people who fell over 317-foot Vernal Falls in Yosemite recently.  Apparently they ignored warning signs and jumped the guardrail to get into the water and take pictures just 25 feet from the edge of the waterfall.  One person slipped and went toward the edge, prompting another to try to save him, who also then went over the edge.  The third person tried to save the second but was also swept over the edge.

I am horrified at how these people died and that they died doing something seemingly innocent enough - taking pictures in a beautiful spot.  I can only hope we all learn a lesson from their untimely deaths (they were all in their 20's).  The biggest error they made was not only in ignoring the warning sign but in underestimating the power of the water.

The snowpack was so much more than normal everywhere this winter that the rivers are full of rushing, raging waters this summer.  Even fairly calm-looking waters can harbor powerful currents.  I've been thrown into class IV rapids from a raft and even though I'm a pretty strong swimmer, I could do nothing to move myself out of the strong current that swept me downstream.  Only a guide throwing me a rope saved me.

Near me in California is the Kern River.  Every year people get swept away and drown - in spite of the river's deadly reputation and tons of caution signs posted around.  Perhaps there are rivers and waterways near you that have a deadly reputation, too.  If so, be careful and caution others to be, also.

It's so so tempting to get into cool waters when the sun is out and hot.  It's tempting to ignore signs, because we all think, "Well, that's just for greenhorns.  I know what I'm doing and I'll be careful."  Believe me, I'm just as guilty as the next when it comes to pushing my limits.  I know also that it takes so little to cross that line between safety and injury or worse, death.

So please - let's all make an effort to heed warning signs, especially when it comes to rivers and waterways this year.  Put lifejackets on your kids.  Wear one yourself.  They aren't that expensive to pick up at a Walmart.  Err on the side of caution, and please - don't go chasing adventure at the risk of your or others' lives. 

Camper-Share sends its heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of Hormiz David, 22, Ninos Yacoub, 27, and Ramina
Badal, 21, all from California.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2017395/Yosemite-waterfall-...