Editor,
It is incredible that we place the value of human life below making a visible change to our beautiful national park.
I am speaking specifically of Yosemite and Nevada and Vernal falls. Every year we lose visitors over these falls because they do not accept the real danger of swimming in the pools just behind the falls, despite signage warning otherwise.
It is time to install safety chains running from one side to the other, a yard or two just before the falls — a last chance grab to keep from going over the falls.
Signs should also be placed upstream on each side at the appropriate distance above the falls stating: “No water entry beyond this point under penalty of a minimum fine of $1,000 and loss of visitation privileges for at least one year.”
As of Jan. 30, 2024, the Golden Gate Bridge now has a continuous physical suicide barrier installed the full length of the 1.7-mile span. Many opposed this because of it being “un-sightful.” But it serves its purpose well.
Prior to its installation, there were an average of 30 suicides a year from the bridge with intervention on an additional 200 attempts. Since completion, there have been only four suicides from the bridge.
Frank Mock
Mariposa
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