new podcast emphasizes water safety

The last of a three-part series of hiking safety podcasts for Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now available for viewing. 
Water Safety and Day Hiking is part of the recently launched program “Reward Yourself - Hike the Smokies Challenge”.  The podcast, developed by Great Smoky Mountains Association, is a 4-minute video podcast that showcases the beautiful water resources in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and provides tips on safe water practices while hiking in the Park. 
The podcast can be viewed at http://thegreatsmokymountains.org/hike_smokies_challenge. 
 “We hope that this video will be another tool to help visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience in the Park’s backcountry.  Hiking in the Smokies is not inherently dangerous, but there are incidents that can be prevented if people understand the potential risks that may occur in certain circumstances, particularly around streams and waterfalls,” said Cathleen Cook, Chief of Resource Education.   “Understanding what the risks are in advance and how to prepare to avoid them will provide visitors with the information they need to make responsible and common-sense decisions when recreating in these natural settings,” she continued.
The Park’s backcountry is managed as a natural area where the forces of nature can create unexpected situations.  When hiking, most of the Park’s trails involve stream crossings, many are bridged but others are not.  When crossing streams, a simple matter of wearing sturdy, water proof hiking shoes and using a hiking stick can help prevent slipping on rocks. 
The video points out that these beautiful, inviting streams can be dangerous at times.  They can become extremely hazardous after a heavy rainstorm; therefore it is not recommended to try and cross swift moving streams. 
The video also highlights some of the hazards of recreating around waterfalls.  The Park has some of the most beautiful waterfalls, and understandably these attract visitors.   But, there have been several fatalities and numerous serious injuries at these locations.  Mainly these accidents are associated with people climbing on slippery moss-covered rocks or swimming in pools at the base of the falls with powerful undercurrents that will pull swimmers under.