Avoid Injuries at Popular Summer Hangout

Pullman- Washington State University students will be making their way to The Cliffs to escape the heat this summer, though many may not be aware of risks, sources say.

Located 22 miles west of Pullman, The Cliffs provide an opportunity for WSU students to play in the sun and cool off in the Snake River. The Cliffs feature a large, flat area where visitors can lay out blankets and lounge in the sun. Swimmers and tubers take full advantage of the slow flowing Snake River. The most prominent feature of The Cliffs is a 25 foot cliff that gives daredevils a chance to spread their wings. There are also smaller cliffs that give first-time cliff jumpers a chance to try something new. While The Cliffs are an excellent choice for a summer activity for WSU students, many visitors do not consider the potential risks they may face in the area.

“I feel nervous when I go to The Cliffs,” said Haylee Pettersen, a Red Cross certified lifeguard. “I see people doing so much stupid stuff that I feel obligated to jump in and help in case anything happens.”

Sticks and rocks hidden underwater could cause serious injury and people often jump without looking and almost hit swimmers in the water Pettersen said. The cold water early in the season could also cause cramping and possible hypothermia Pettersen said. All of these dangers are multiplied when mixed with alcohol consumption.

“I’ve seen people get so drunk to the point where they can’t walk straight,” Said Kelsey Hodgin, a junior WSU student. “I’ve seen people fall off of The Cliffs and play it off like it was no big deal, but they could have hurt themselves.”

Alcohol causes difficulty walking and blurs vision, according to an article released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2004. Visitors to The Cliffs often consume alcohol in quantities that could get them hurt. Drunken decisions made on the side of a 25 foot cliff could lead to serious injury. Another issue is drunk driving that might take place after a day of drinking at The Cliffs.

Drunk driving is never a good idea. First there is the chance of crashing, which could lead to serious injury or death. Drunken driving related accidents killed 12,998 during 2007 according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Aside from the chance of getting seriously injured or killed, students who drive drunk could get a ticket and jail time if they are caught. First DUI offenders could serve a minimum of 24 hours or up to one year in jail. They would be fined no less than $350 and up to $5,000. Visitors should find a designated driver and consume less alcohol In order to avoid crashing or receiving fines and jail time. Aside from affecting decision making, alcohol consumption often leads to dehydration.

“A lot of people don’t take dehydration seriously,” Pettersen said. “People pass out at The Cliffs all the time without water proper shelter from the sun.”

There is very little shade at The Cliffs, so visitors are exposed to the sun and heat Dehydration can lead to major complications. Extended periods of dehydration can lead to kidney failure, coma, shock, heat exhaustion or heat stroke according to Dr. Ben Wedro, MD, and contributor to medicinenet.com. Heat stroke could lead to death and should be dealt with immediately. The Cliffs are in a cell phone dead zone and emergency services are not readily available. Visitors to The Cliffs should be sure to drink a lot of water and consume less alcohol to prevent dehydration Pettersen said.

The Cliffs are the perfect place to relax and have a good time as long as they are enjoyed safely. Visitors to the area should be aware of their surroundings, avoid drinking too much alcohol, ensure they have a designated driver and drink plenty of water to ensure they have a fun, safe trip to The Cliffs this summer.