Staying Safe Near The Falls

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
March 15, 2013 7:42 PM


  The roar of the Big Sioux River draws people in. The rapids that cut through the granite can be mesmerizing.

As crews wrap up their search Friday, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Chief Jim Sideras reminds people to visit the falls with caution.  

“Enjoy the falls. But, you don't have to get up close to enjoy the water because almost all the times we're down here, it's because someone has slipped and fallen into the water,” said Chief Sideras.

Crews prepare for this same situation at this exact location.

“We have pre-planned The Falls. So, we know this is a place where we're going to be at. We're here every couple years. So, we do train,” said Sideras.  

If you decide to walk close to the waters edge keep in mind how wet the rocks could be.

“You have to be careful. This is granite. Granite gets very slippery when it gets wet,” said Sideras.  

“The next thing you know you take a small fall and you're in the water.”

But, what if you do see someone in the water in need of help?

“The best thing to do is not go in after them but rather stay on the shore an ID exactly where they went in at,” said Sideras.  

While Sideras says hundred of people try to rescue others in freezing water every year, going in after someone puts more people at risk.

“It's a brave and noble act. But, it puts them at such a danger and risk,” said Sideras.

The Falls, beautiful from afar. But getting too close, could end in tragedy.