Latest news with #RLSS
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
The hidden paradise waterfalls made famous on Instagram where two people died
The hidden paradise waterfalls made famous on Instagram where two people died The attraction is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, with waters that are always crystal clear and a series of tumbling water, but this week it was the site of tragedy, underlining the difficulties around the high number of visitors to the area TikTokers increasingly refer to the cascades as the 'fairy pools' (Image: Ian Lilley ) In the summer, the mountain waters of Yr Wyddfa often appear enticing, even to those not undertaking a tough climb. The aqua blue waters and cascading waterfalls create an illusion of being somewhere far more exotic. Located just a brief walk from the A498, the Watkin Pools are a dream for Instagrammers seeking wild swimming photos without much effort. Until this week, their popularity was assumed and their use unchallenged. However, on Wednesday evening, tragedy struck when two women lost their lives in the pools. One woman was retrieved from the water, while the other was later rescued by emergency teams but sadly passed away despite resuscitation attempts. A police investigation is currently underway into the incident that has left Britain in shock and sorrow. You can read our report on the tragic event here. Mountain activities inherently carry some risk: on average, eight people lose their lives each year on Yr Wyddfa due to falls, trips and health conditions. However, fatalities involving the mountain's lakes, streams and pools are rare, reports North Wales Live. While the cause of this week's tragedy remains unconfirmed, it's important to remember that wild swimming – or even a quick dip – carries risks, particularly in icy mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and sharp. In light of this, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK has issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to remain vigilant around water this summer. Article continues below New statistics have revealed that in 2024, the drowning rate in Wales was twice the UK national average. The year saw 18 accidental drownings, with an additional 19 water-related deaths still awaiting official cause determination. Interim charity director at RLSS UK, Matt Croxall, said: "The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water." The river's iconic slab bridge balances delicately on boulders having endured the worst of Eryri's winter storms (Image: Ian Lilley ) Following the Covid pandemic, the Watkin Pools near Yr Wyddfa experienced a surge in popularity. A comparison of parking figures from 2021 indicated a significant 64% increase at Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant, relative to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. While some visitors were hikers tackling the challenging Watkin Path to the summit, Eryri National Park officials attribute much of the rise to "trending social media posts" showcasing the picturesque Watkin Pools. At that time, a travel website hailed it as "one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and maybe therefore in the whole of the UK." Since then, the praise for this location has only intensified. Guides tout the pools as a "perfect cool-down" for hikers ascending the mountain. Yet in practice many take the plunge more for the sake of soaking up the ambiance and capturing crucial snapshots than for the hike itself, then promptly retracing their steps downhill. It's considered amongst the top UK spots for inducing "Insta envy." The Watkin cascades were recently dubbed the UK's second prime "hidden waterfalls". Despite their prevalence on social media hinting they aren't quite so concealed, their popularity is understandable. Even on overcast days when they're not shimmering aqua blue, the waters retain their crystal clarity. At certain cascade points, visitors fancy themselves in "infinity pools", gazing from atop craggy ledges down to the splendid Nant Gwynant valley. Suspended from an overhead branch by a tree-lined pool, a makeshift rope swing invites adventure. Amongst two trees sits a flat rock functioning as an impromptu slide. Countless videos have been shared on TikTok, with the cascades increasingly referred to as "Snowdon's fairy pools". A traveller commented: "5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it." Lately, finding solitude at these pools has proven more of a challenge. Seasoned visitors suggest getting there early to dodge the throngs, as the falls become crowded post-noon. Especially on sun-filled days, it's not unusual for guests to find themselves sharing their slice of "paradise" with fellow revellers. Article continues below However, you don't need to take a dip to appreciate the waterfalls and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics in this area have grown increasingly popular, leading to noticeable wear on the surrounding ground. Over 600,000 people annually flock to Yr Wyddfa, though this week's double tragedy starkly demonstrates the risks such visits pose.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
The exploding popularity of Watkin Pools beauty spot that claimed lives of two women
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info In summer the mountain water often looks inviting even for those not toiling up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The waters are aqua blue and a series of tumbling water adds to the illusion of being somewhere else altogether more exotic. Lying just a short hike from the A498, the Watkin Pools are perfect for Instagrammers wanting wild swimming photos without trying too hard. Until this week, their popularity was taken granted and their use unquestioned. On Wednesday evening, two woman died in the pools. One was dragged from the water, the other was pulled out later by rescue teams but died despite desperate attempts to revive her. A police investigation is underway into an incident that's shocked and saddened the whole of Britain. You can read our story on the tragedy here Any activity in the mountains carries a degree of inherent danger: on average eight people die each year on Yr Wyddfa, from a combination of falls, trips and health conditions. Few have fallen victim to the mountain's lakes, streams and pools. While the cause of this week's tragedy has yet to be confirmed, wild swimming – or just taking a quick plunge – is not without risk, especially in ice-cold mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and jagged. This week the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to stay vigilant when in, on or around, water this summer. It follows new figures showing that, in 2024, Wales had a drowning rate double the UK National average. During the year there were 18 accidental drownings and a further 19 involving water where the cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed. Matt Croxall, interim charity director at RLSS UK, said: 'The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Ian Lilley) The popularity of Yr Wyddfa's Watkin Pools exploded in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Analysis of parking data from 2021 showed a dramatic 64% rise in the use of the Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant compared with the pre-Covid year of 2019. Some of these users will have been hikers ascending the Watkin Path, regarded as one of the toughest routes to the summit. But Eryri National Park officers believe much of the increase was due to 'trending social media posts' for the photogenic Watkin Pools. At the time, one travel website described it as 'one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and, maybe therefore, in the whole of the UK'. Since then, the superlatives have only become more gushing. Guides describe the pools as a 'perfect cool-down' for walkers trudging up the mountain. In reality, many of those taking a dip do it purely to luxuriate in the surroundings and grab all-important photos before heading straight back down. It's been rated one of the best places in the UK to inspire 'Insta envy'. (Image: Ian Lilley) Not so long ago the Watkin cascades were named the UK's second best 'hidden waterfalls'. Their ubiquity on social media suggests they are far from 'hidden' but it's easy to see why they are popular. 'Paradise found!' exclaimed one swimmer on YouTube. If not aqua blue on cloudy days, the waters are always crystal clear. In some cascade sections, users imagine themselves in 'infinity pools', peering out over rocky outcrops to beautiful views of the Nant Gwynant valley below. Dangling from a branch above a tree-lined pool is a makeshift rope swing. Between two others is a slab of rock that doubles as a slide. Hundreds of clips have been posted on TikTok where the cascades are increasingly being called 'Snowdon's fairy pools'. One visitor said: '5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it.' In recent years, solitude has become harder to find in the pools. Visitors advise it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds as the waterfalls get busy after lunch. More often than not on sunny days, users end up sharing their 'paradise' with others. However you don't have to get wet to enjoy the cascades and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics here have become ever more popular and the ground nearby increasingly worn. All visits to the mountains come with a health warning, as this week's double tragedy starkly illustrates. Yet each year more than 600,000 people still head to Yr Wyddfa for the life-affirming challenge and beauty that it offers. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
The exploding popularity of Watkin Pools beauty spot that claimed lives of two women
In summer the mountain water often looks inviting even for those not toiling up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The waters are aqua blue and a series of tumbling water adds to the illusion of being somewhere else altogether more exotic. Lying just a short hike from the A498, the Watkin Pools are perfect for Instagrammers wanting wild swimming photos without trying too hard. Until this week, their popularity was taken granted and their use unquestioned. On Wednesday evening, two woman died in the pools. One was dragged from the water, the other was pulled out later by rescue teams but died despite desperate attempts to revive her. A police investigation is underway into an incident that's shocked and saddened the whole of Britain. You can read our story on the tragedy here Any activity in the mountains carries a degree of inherent danger: on average eight people die each year on Yr Wyddfa, from a combination of falls, trips and health conditions. Few have fallen victim to the mountain's lakes, streams and pools. While the cause of this week's tragedy has yet to be confirmed, wild swimming – or just taking a quick plunge – is not without risk, especially in ice-cold mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and jagged. This week the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to stay vigilant when in, on or around, water this summer. It follows new figures showing that, in 2024, Wales had a drowning rate double the UK National average. During the year there were 18 accidental drownings and a further 19 involving water where the cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed. Matt Croxall, interim charity director at RLSS UK, said: 'The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The popularity of Yr Wyddfa's Watkin Pools exploded in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Analysis of parking data from 2021 showed a dramatic 64% rise in the use of the Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant compared with the pre-Covid year of 2019. Some of these users will have been hikers ascending the Watkin Path, regarded as one of the toughest routes to the summit. But Eryri National Park officers believe much of the increase was due to 'trending social media posts' for the photogenic Watkin Pools. At the time, one travel website described it as 'one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and, maybe therefore, in the whole of the UK'. Since then, the superlatives have only become more gushing. Guides describe the pools as a 'perfect cool-down' for walkers trudging up the mountain. In reality, many of those taking a dip do it purely to luxuriate in the surroundings and grab all-important photos before heading straight back down. It's been rated one of the best places in the UK to inspire 'Insta envy'. Not so long ago the Watkin cascades were named the UK's second best 'hidden waterfalls'. Their ubiquity on social media suggests they are far from 'hidden' but it's easy to see why they are popular. 'Paradise found!' exclaimed one swimmer on YouTube. If not aqua blue on cloudy days, the waters are always crystal clear. In some cascade sections, users imagine themselves in 'infinity pools', peering out over rocky outcrops to beautiful views of the Nant Gwynant valley below. Dangling from a branch above a tree-lined pool is a makeshift rope swing. Between two others is a slab of rock that doubles as a slide. Hundreds of clips have been posted on TikTok where the cascades are increasingly being called 'Snowdon's fairy pools'. One visitor said: '5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it.' In recent years, solitude has become harder to find in the pools. Visitors advise it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds as the waterfalls get busy after lunch. More often than not on sunny days, users end up sharing their 'paradise' with others. However you don't have to get wet to enjoy the cascades and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics here have become ever more popular and the ground nearby increasingly worn. All visits to the mountains come with a health warning, as this week's double tragedy starkly illustrates. Yet each year more than 600,000 people still head to Yr Wyddfa for the life-affirming challenge and beauty that it offers.
