Cedar Creek Fatality Prompts Hiking Safety Reminder

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Search and Rescue, Cal Fire and the ASTREA helicopter agency came together last week to remind San Diegans to be prepared when going on hikes, especially in the backcountry.

This reminder comes in the wake of a , a backcountry site that has become popular with local youths and is only reachable by a difficult hike.

In the last few years, videos of partying at the falls showed up on YouTube and other social media sites and young people have flocked to the falls, and as sheriff's Lt. Todd Richardson said, "Many hike to the falls in flip-flops because they thought it was like going to the beach."

According to the Sheriff's Department, during the 2008 fire season, from about June to November, Search and Rescue made six helicopter rescues from Cedar Creek Falls at an estimated cost of $5,000. In 2009 that number jumped to 20 rescues at $21,000, and in 2010 there were 31 rescues that cost $36,000.

This year, there have already been 31 rescues with only half the season over, and rising fuel costs pushed the cost of those rescues to $47,000.

Sixty percent of the rescues at the falls have been heat related, according to ASTREA.

"They're simply ill-prepared for the hike," said Richardson.

The growing number of rescues and related resources it takes to make the rescues, along with the , pushed the Sheriff's Department to work with the Forest Service to temporarily close hiking access to Cedar Creek Falls.

Authorities confirmed that only , at least until November but possibly up to a couple of years, while improvements and changes are made to the trail system that would include a permit system and better enforcement of rules, such as no diving or alcohol.

They also confirmed that Three Sisters Falls, Mildred Falls and Devil's Punchbowl, other falls that are in the area but are deeper in the wilderness and more difficult to hike to, are still open.

Sgt. Don Parker laid out these key points about safe hiking:

• Water: A gallon per person per day is needed.
• Sun: A hat and long-sleeved light clothing should be worn if in the sun for long periods.
• Shoes: On light hikes, tennis shoes are OK, but with rugged terrain you should wear boots and thick socks.
• Maps: Bring a map and compass if you know how to use one; bring a GPS if you have one.
• Emergency: You can use a flashlight or cell phone screen if you need to signal for help at night. Whatever you do, don't start a fire to be found.

The press conference boiled down to one thing they were trying to communicate to the public: "Please prepare and be sensible when you go hiking."