Man hospitalized with serious injuries after reportedly jumping at Whatcom Falls Park
Bellingham paramedics transported a man to St. Joseph hospital with serious injuries Saturday afternoon after he reportedly was found unconscious in Whatcom Falls Park while jumping into the creek.
Bellingham Fire Department crews were alerted at 1:43 p.m. Aug. 29 to the report of an unconscious man in Whatcom Creek, Captain Dave Pethick told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
Crews arrived to find the man, who was approximately 40 years old, responsive. They treated him and worked to remove him from the creek, Pethick reported.
Crews utilized a simple rope system to move the man from the water’s edge, taking about 40 minutes, wrote Pethick, who called the man’s injuries serious.
The area where the man is injured is an area where people often jump from rocks into the pool below on hot summer days, Pethick reported. Unfortunately, a number of people have been injured in that area over the years. The incident occurred approximately a month after a woman injured her leg while enjoying the park and fire crews are routinely called to the area.
According to witness reports, the man Saturday was injured while jumping, Pethick said.
“Whatcom Falls Park, while beautiful all year long, should be considered a wilderness type area and people should treat the park, creek, and its various natural features with respect,” Pethick wrote. “Park users are advised to stay on designated trails at Whatcom Falls Park and obey all other posted park regulations.
“Watch your footing on uneven ground and slippery surfaces. There are many places, especially off trail, that people can get into trouble if they do not exercise caution and care. We see several slip and trip type injuries in the park every year. Specific to the creek, people should remember that the water can be both swift and cold.”
