The Cornell Daily Sun (https://cornellsun.com/tag/gorge-safety/)
Cornell and Ithaca moved one step closer to blocking access to the gorge above Ithaca Falls, which has long served as a local swimming hole but has also been the site of at least two students’ drowning deaths in recent years.
“I think a lot of the reckless activity, including littering and climbing, does have to do with the excessive consumption of alcohol,” said protestor Alisa Blinova. “That is another issue that should be addressed through education.”
One of the four counselors left the observation area and found herself stuck on a ledge, hanging on to a tree branch. When the other three came to help her, they too found themselves stranded, according to the release.
“If people are found to be swimming and/or cliff jumping in the Six Mile Creek area, the fine could be as high as $250,” Holcomb said. “There are also other fines associated with open containers, possession of drugs [and] littering.”
“The Gorge Safety Committee is charged by the University president to promote safety and responsible use of gorges,” Bittner said. “We have a program based on four areas: education, enforcement, alternatives and infrastructure.”