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With all the rain, the falls is probably more like a fire hose.
Four people went swimming above Rainbow Falls and two of them got swept away. One female victim was found at the base of Rainbow Falls and a search continues for the male victim.
http://bigislandnow.com/2017/11/26/rainb...two-lives/
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With all the rain
I was surprised to see someone was swimming up there too. Along with the rain we've had some cold weather as well. The water flow gets so unpredictable when it's rainy, especially if there's a downpour a few miles up slope.
Here's drone footage from a flash flood at Twin Falls on Maui a few years ago that shows how quickly the water flow can change in a stream and over a waterfall. Fortunately all of the swimmers that day were rescued:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Csgc6adNaE
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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Very sad that some young people lose their lives trying to have some fun.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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The news is conflicted between aged 40 or aged 60 but either way, no youngsters this time.
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I can honestly say, I am confused by why anyone would want to swim in a runoff crick... when the island is surrounded by
Much warmer ocean with protected pools.
The state or the airlines are doing nothing to scare the starry eyed tourists
Into retaining their common sense.
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What a sad way to end a Vacation..
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To be fair, they weren't "playing", but were trying to cross the river above the falls. From the article:
"A written police statement said the couple was attempting to cross the river above the falls when they disappeared."
As an old fart in their age bracket, I can totally see myself doing this. You hike up above the falls, and are exhausted cuz you're NOT AS YOUNG AS YOU USED TO BE...so you make a fatigued decision to take a shortcut back across the river, cuz you crossed bigger rivers WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER. Add a little flash flooding... as always: stay active, but be careful.
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As a 52 year old .. I have no desire to cross flooding creeks. I'm afraid I don't understand the logic.
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Misjudgment. Unfortunately many humans do that now and then--with fatal outcomes.
