QPWS says woman who fell at Josephine Falls ignored warning signs

Multiple emergency crews were called to Josephine Falls near Babinda on Sunday afternoon when a woman fell 5m – now authorities have indicated how it could be avoided in the future.

A WOMAN who fell 5m at Josephine Falls on Sunday had ignored warning signs and safety barriers, a ranger at Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has confirmed.

Two paramedic units responded to the incident at the popular swimming spot near Babinda on Sunday afternoon and four QFES crews responded, prepared to perform a technical water rescue.

Chief ranger Leigh Willis said the QPWS identified the top pool of Josephine Falls as a high risk area due to recurring incidents and closed it to the public several years ago.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger in charge Leigh Willis says a woman in her 20s who fell 5m at Josephine Falls had ignored signage and barriers and was “incredibly lucky” to be alive. Picture: Supplied

“Although people have died here, and others have been seriously injured, many visitors believe it won’t happen to them, and they ignore warning signs and safety barriers to get the perfect selfie for likes on social media,” he said.

“We have investigated the recent incident, and it is alleged that the person fell from a restricted access area and they are incredibly lucky to have avoided serious injury or death.

“Unfortunately, rangers and emergency services have assisted people who ignored the signs and sustained serious injuries, and there have been tragic cases when fatalities have occurred,” Mr Willis said.

He said access to the top section of the falls was prohibited and fines of $431 applied.

“If people continue to jump the safety barriers and ignore the warning signs, enforcement is the only option,” Mr Willis said.

Josephine Falls has claimed several lives over recent years. Picture: Supplied

“A selfie that costs $431 isn’t worth it, so read the signs, understand the safety measures in place and our visitors won’t fall off a high rock face, get swept away by a strong current, or get fined by a ranger.”

The incident involving the woman in her 20s comes in the wake of the death of a woman following a plunge at another waterfall earlier this year.

In January 2018, a young Korean woman was washed away by a fast-flowing current at Josephine Falls and died.

An inquest was held into the deaths of Thomas Hunt and Youngeun Kim, who died in separate events two years apart at Josephine Falls.

A water monitoring and alarm system was installed in 2019 in line with Coroner Nerida Wilson’s recommendations.

Originally published as QPWS says woman who fell at Josephine Falls ignored warning signs