We all know and love the saying “Ithaca is Gorges.” It is a region that boasts natural features unlike anywhere else, drawing in tourists and locals alike to explore the lakes, waterfalls, and gorges. For years, however, controversy has surrounded some of these areas, which has heightened in light of a recent death.
On July 27 at Second Dam, Eric Richardson, 24, tragically drowned and died. This was not the first death that has occurred in one of the gorges, but there have been numerous accidents, often fatal, dating back decades.
The accident has increased and focused attention on this illegal swimming spot. The discussion has become even more prevalent as the community tries to find a solution to stop dangerous activities.
Since the death of Richardson, patrols have increased, although this has not shown to deter swimmers.The distribution of tickets, essentially fining anyone found swimming, is one of the city’s current attempts to stop the swimming.
From issues of public access and the authority (or lack thereof) park rangers have, it has been debated many a time as to whether swimming in the gorges should be allowed.
Often, swimming-related deaths have been linked to the usage of drugs and alcohol. Despite the deaths and the known danger, the gorges have continued to be a favorite hangout and party spot for high school and college students, attracting large crowds. The high dams that serve as part of the city’s reservoir system allow for exciting jumping conditions.
With cliff jumping being a popular pastime at the gorges, it is particularly worrisome to the community that people may be intoxicated while jumping from serious heights, reducing control ad awareness, and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
In past years the supervision of the area has been minimal, consisting mainly of the occasional visit courtesy of a park ranger who has very little actual authority. Even though the commonality of injuries and deaths in the gorges is well known, this has been of little discouragement to those who frequent the gorges. People have continued to swim and cliff jump, pursuing this thrill with little recognition for the potential dangers, all the while allowing the threat to be amplified by the use of various substances.
This year, attention was drawn to the dams early in the season seemingly more than in past years. Hypodermic needles were found, suggesting the usage of hard drugs during late night parties. Loud music has been heard by residents near Second Dam in particular, and the numbers of people swimming in the gorges has drastically increased.
Arguments continue to be made throughout the community suggesting solutions to ending incidents in the gorges. Both sides—either suggesting the increase of patrols to enforce no-swimming rules throughout gorges or making swimming legal with more supervision—are met with the fact that resources are limited. Making swimming legal, however, could create it’s own revenue if there were a charge for swimming, paying for itself while allowing continued enjoyment of the gorges by the public.
With the community still digesting the events of two months ago, as well as the lack of resources burdening the dialogue about the future of the gorges, little has been done to alter the ways of gorge swimmers. Second Dam will have to be repaired in the coming years, according to the city’s assistant superintendent of water and sanitation Erik Whitney. What happens then may determine the future of gorge swimming. Until then, it is up to young adults such as IHS students to make the conscious decision to avoid dangerous swimming activities.
