Two nine year old girls were rescued during a hike at Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona on Wednesday, June 24th. The call for help was made just after 2:00 p.m.
Sheriff's ASTREA came to the rescue. Paramedics checked and released the children at the trailhead to their camp counselors.
The children were hiking with a YMCA group from La Jolla. A U.S. Forest Service Ranger advised the group the trail is not for beginners or juveniles especially with the extremely hot weather. Despite the warning, the group still continued on their hike.
Just last week, a 24-year-old hiker died from possible heat exhaustion while hiking along a trail at Cedar Creek Falls.
The Sheriff's Department and U.S. Forest Service would again like to remind the public to take safety precautions when hiking at Cedar Creek Falls.
The trail to Cedar Creek Falls is a challenging five-and-a-half-mile hike with no shade from the sun. It is not for beginners. The return trip is mostly uphill.
You will need at least a gallon of water to stay hydrated. Dress appropriately for the hike and know your limitations.
Leave your dog at home. This trail is not easy on the paws because it's littered with sharp rocks and the surface gets very hot.
We also advise against bringing children or senior citizens to Cedar Creek Falls.
As of June 24th, Sheriff's ASTREA has rescued 18 hikers from the Julian and Ramona side of Cedar Creek Falls. In 2014, ASTREA made 23 rescues in the same area.
It is also important to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Are you dizzy or confused? Do you have a throbbing headache, rapid pulse or red, hot, dry skin? Find shade right away and pour water over your head to stay cool. Get immediate medical help.
To watch public safety videos about hiking at Cedar
Creek Falls, follow the Sheriff's Department on Vimeo: https://goo.gl/9lBSvN and https://goo.gl/F8DGh5.
Permits are required to visit Cedar Creek Falls. To reserve a permit, visit: www.recreation.gov.
There are only 29 parking spots on the trailhead off of Thornbush Road in Ramona. Cars blocking the road and driveway access will be towed at the owner's expense.
Bringing or drinking alcohol in the area is not allowed. The cliffs surrounding the falls are closed to jumping and diving.
U.S. Forest Service Rangers and Sheriff's Deputies will strictly enforce the permit requirements and the ban on alcohol and cliff jumping. They will take appropriate law enforcement actions on violations of local, state and federal laws, which can include a citation up to an arrest and fines.
County Ordinance 364.1 also allows for the reimbursement of emergency costs up to $12,000. To be clear, the fees only apply to those who break the law, for example rescue operations as a result of illegal drinking.
It's also important to check the weather before your hike.
Don't put your life in danger. Make safety a priority when hiking.
