Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina

Junior KeepersWise Waterfaller

Let’s learn about wise waterfallers!

We all love waterfalls – they are exciting to experience and have so much interesting plant and animal life around them. Waterfalls also have some special features that mean you need to follow additional safety rules. Earning this badge will help ensure you have the knowledge of basic waterfall safety.

Don’t forget: Our pet friends need help staying safe at waterfalls just like we do. This badge activity also includes information and tips for keeping them safe on your day out at the waterfalls.

Remember, these are just the basics! There are some extra websites and resources listed for you to visit and to learn safety tips and have the very safest waterfall experience.

While waterfalls have unique characteristics that call for added safety guidelines, the things you already know about keeping yourself safe in other situations are a good starting point.

Let’s use the STOP*LOOK*LISTEN
method around waterfalls:

STOP

  • Do not jump off waterfalls or dive into the pools – there could be hidden rocks and logs under the surface.
  • Do not climb on rocks above waist height – which means no climbing up the rocks in the waterfall. This is where the very slickest rocks are that pose the most danger that you could fall.
  • Do not stray off marked trails and observation areas.
  • Do not swim or wade upstream near a waterfall or play at the top of a waterfall.

LOOK

  • Before heading out on the trail, look at your feet! Are you wearing sturdy shoes with good grip and support (or special water shoes)? Don’t wear flip flops!
  • Read and obey all the posted signs leading to waterfall areas.
  • Watch out for your family, friends, and pets when around waterfalls. It is important to think about each other’s safety as well as your own.
  • And the basics – do a gear check to make sure you have everything you need for yourself: water, snacks if needed, first aid supplies, etc.

[ PRO TIP: MOST OF THE ROCKS AROUND WATERFALLS ARE SLICK! ]

LISTEN

  • Listen to your family and friends when out at a waterfall. This one is hard because you are having fun and the waterfall might be loud. Pay attention to each other to be safe.
  • Sometimes the hike to get to a waterfall may be too hard for you or one of your group – listen if your companions tell you they do not feel safe (and call out if that’s you).

AND FOR YOUR PETS

  • Do they have on their collar and leash? They are best protected at the waterfall site when on a leash so you can guide them to the safest places to be.
  • Do you have water and a water bowl for your pet? Do you have any other supplies you may need for them (poo bags, treats, first aid supplies, etc.)
  • Don’t play fetch with a stick or ball in a strong current. Your pet may get in trouble and you could get hurt trying to rescue it.

Are you ready to accept the challenge and earn your badge now? Let’s go!

Wise Waterfaller Challenge

Click Here to open the “Safety Tips for Wise Waterfallers” coloring sheet and print it out. Color the waterfall, then write or draw four safety tips you remember from the lesson above in the clouds around the waterfall. Submit your picture to us as a scan or screen shot, then keep the original in your backpack so you’ll have it for your next waterfall trip.

Take a photo or draw a picture of your pet (or someone else’s) at the waterfall that shows one of the waterfall safety tips from the lesson about keeping our pets safe. Send it to us as a scan or screen shot.

People feel many different things when they spend time at a waterfall. Sometimes they are excited, sometimes quiet, sometimes playful. There are so many possibilities! As you think about your visit to the waterfall for this challenge, either tell a story or write one down about someone you saw reacting to the waterfall (it could be you). Then make a recording or voice memo of yourself telling the story, or write it down (ask your mom or dad to help you if you want). Submit your recording or your written story to us

Learn more about waterfall safety by following these interesting links: Waterfall Keepers of NC: Looking Out For Waterfallers Explore Brevard And a little video from Brevard

Here’s a special Wise Waterfall challenge activity for our friends whose physical or other abilities may differ: If you are close to a stream that leads to a waterfall or at the pool at the bottom of a waterfall, ask an adult or friend to help you safely feel the water.

They can make a cup with their hands and pour it on your fingers or help you dip your foot in the water. How did it feel? Was it colder than you thought it would be? If your feet got wet, what would you be glad to have brought with you? A small towel? Dry socks? Write your answer in the space below.

GET YOUR BADGE!

Badge Challenge Submission Form

Ready to submit your photos, coloring sheets or voice recording to earn your badge?

Complete the Badge Challenge Submission form and upload them as scans, screenshots or attachments.

Our Mission

“To promote and advance the cultural, economic, ecological, and historical significance of North Carolina waterfalls; to serve as an educator and advocate; and to preserve waterfalls and facilitate their enjoyment in perpetuity.”

Mailing Address

283 Inman Branch Road
Waynesville, NC 28786

Physical Address

The spray zone of a North Carolina Waterfall

info@waterfallkeepersofnc.org

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