Niagara Falls is a collective name given to the three waterfalls that border the national border between the Ontario province of Canada and the state of New York in the United States. The largest waterfall is Horseshoe Falls, followed by the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (the smallest of the three). Horseshoe Falls are entirely located in Canada, while the American falls are entirely located in the United States and separated by Goat Island. Bridal Veil Falls is also on the American side, separated from the other two waterfalls by the island of Luna. Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, then combines to form the highest flow in the world, a difference in elevation greater than that of the 50 meters. Horseshoe Falls are considered the most powerful falls in North America based on vertical height and flow. Niagara Falls is believed to have formed during the last ice age, when the water from the newly structured Great Lakes made its way through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. Although Niagara Falls is not extraordinarily high, it is very wide. Niagara Falls is famous not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its precious source of hydroelectric power. when the water from the newly structured Great Lakes made its way across the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. Although Niagara Falls is not extraordinarily high, it is very wide. Niagara Falls is famous not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its precious source of hydroelectric power. when the water from the newly structured Great Lakes made its way across the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. Although Niagara Falls is not extraordinarily high, it is very wide. Niagara Falls is famous not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its precious source of hydroelectric power.
The wonders of Niagara Falls
For hundreds of years, many people have traveled the world to visit and experience the spectacle of Niagara Falls. Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side cover 2,600 feet (792 m) wide, while American Falls cover 1,060 feet (323 m) wide. The highest vertical fall is on the horseshoe covering the feet 173 (53 m). Niagara Falls has an average flow of 4 million cubic feet (110,000 cubic meters) per minute. Horseshoe Falls constitute about 90% of the volume of water. In addition, the three Niagara Falls have many wonders, including the Niagara Escape and its unique geological features, the beautiful landscape for hiking, as well as other natural wonders that make the falls a major tourist destination.
The dangers behind the waterfalls
Swimming, climbing or crossing Niagara Falls is an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening activity. It is estimated that 5,000 corpses were found at the foot of Niagara Falls between the years 1850-2011 and an estimated number of people died each year from the falls. The falls undergo extremely rapid acceleration and reporting, which have resulted in serious injuries. American Falls is more rocky especially at the foot compared to other falls.
The devils who defied nature
Over the years, many daredevils have attempted to cross the falls by jumping into barrels or walking on ropes over the falls. In most cases, the daredevils have survived while some have plunged to death.
Annie Edison Taylor
Taylor was an American teacher born in October 24, 1838 and, in October 24, 1901, she became the first person to cross Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive the jump without suffering minor cuts. It was on her 63rd birthday when she attempted the stunt, and her motivations were financial, even though she never made much money from adventure.
Bobby Leach
On July 13, 25, Bobby Leach flew over Niagara Falls in a barrel, but was injured as a result of this incident. Leach fractured his jaw, broke his kneecaps, and spent six months in hospital recovering from his injuries.
Kirk Jones
On October 22nd, 2003, Kirk Jones flew over the falls without any help in the fall. Jones had swam 91 meters before swimming over the falls, becoming the first person to do so. Given that Jones had consumed alcohol before the incident and that he had failed to comply with the protective measure, he was fined $ 2,300 and barred from entering Canada for life.
The unfortunate deaths on the Niagara
Niagara Falls has had an equal share of successful jumps and tragedies leading to death. Here are some of the unfortunates who died at Niagara Falls.
Ed Delahanty
In July 2, 1903, a baseball player Ed Delahanty was kicked out of a night train for being drunk and disorderly, but plunged to his death at the international railway bridge. Ed’s body was later found but his body was mutilated and one of his legs was cut.
Jessie sharp
On June 5, 1990, Jessie Sharp decided to kayak across Niagara Falls and intended to continue down the river after the fall. Unfortunately, Sharp disappeared after passing the fall and his body was never found. Sharp had chosen not to wear a life jacket in case it would affect his chances of escaping in case he was trapped under the falls.
Robert Overacker
In October 1, 1995, Robert Overacker attempted to cross Niagara Falls by jet ski in order to educate the homeless. Unfortunately, Overacker’s parachute, propelled by a rocket, could not open and dived until his death, but his body was found before being declared dead.
Miraculous escapes
Although Niagara Falls is a beautiful sight, it is also a dangerous place. Many people have attempted to fly over the falls, some failing to do so and others experiencing near death experiences. Below are some of the people who narrowly escaped death after attempting to cross Niagara Falls.
On March 13, 10, an anonymous man attempted suicide by jumping over Niagara Falls. Fortunately, he survived the fall but suffered a head laceration and shock, and his clothes were ripped from his body. In May 2009, 21, an unnamed man became the fourth person to survive the fall on Horseshoe Falls without any protection. The man, however, suffered lacerations and one of his lungs collapsed.
Safety and security measures in place
Exploration of most of the surrounding areas of Niagara Falls poses a significant risk, hence the need for safety precautions. There are public safety planning and visitor risk management strategies. There are also appropriate levels of search and rescue services. Cooperation between various tourism institutions, non-governmental organizations and other departments helps to manage and provide security in the area. Night and individual tours are prohibited outside of Niagara Falls. Stunting without a license is illegal and the current fine is $ 10,000. There are many other security and protective measures in place to protect the public.