Safety near escarpment areas

Safety Near Escarpment Areas

Posted on May 28, 2019


On the late evening of Friday, May 24, 2019, a male slipped and fell from Dundas Peak.  The rope rescue units of the Hamilton Fire Department responded, but the man had no vital signs.  On February 21, 2019, three hikers were also rescued from the side of the escarpment at Tew Falls by the rope rescue unit.  None of the hikers were injured, but they became stuck on a ledge after sliding down the side of the escarpment, after going off-trail.

In light of this recent tragic incident at Dundas Peak, the Hamilton Conservation Authority would like to remind all visitors of some safety rules and information for exploring conservation areas, especially those with escarpment features.

All visitors to conservation areas are to stay on trails and not climb or otherwise bypass fencing, for their own safety and the environmental health of the areas.  Some natural areas may not be fenced. Keep well back from the edge of gorges and escarpment areas, at least a body length.  Visitors are also reminded that conservation areas close at sundown and should not be accessed when closed. Adults should keep children and pets well away from these areas.  If a user falls in an escarpment area, the only way to assist them out of the area is through a rope rescue by the Hamilton Fire Department, who are trained to carry out these rescues safely.

Visitors should keep to marked trails at all times, not only for their own safety, but for the preservation of the many rare and sensitive plants and small animals that could be easily damaged or hurt if you leave the trails.

The Spencer Gorge area provides safe vantage points and platforms to see Webster Falls, Tew Falls and the Dundas Peak and it is important for people to stay behind the fences and barriers at these vantage points for safety. Please stay safe while enjoying your local conservation areas.

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