The warmer summer like weather in Niagara has more and more people getting outside and enjoying trails in the region.
St. Catharines Deputy Fire Chief Dave Upper wants to remind everyone that some areas are not for hiking and that includes an area at Decew Falls which has been the site of two rescues lately, the most recent being Friday night.
Upper says there are a lot of signs advising people to stay on marked trails and keep out of the gorge, but he says people are disregarding them and getting stuck.
"The kids are going down there and other travellers in flip flips and bathing suits, and they're not dressed appropriately, and they're climbing through trees and over rocks in flip flops and they get wet and you can imagine your traction is not going to be very good in a flip flop"
Upper also advises that anyone who does go off the marked trails in that area is trespassing.
The reminder follows the Niagara Parks Police who issued a reminder Sunday for hikers to follow property safety guidelines after several recent rescues in the Niagara Gorge.
The Parks Police suggest the following safety tips.
Stay on marked trails
Hike in daylight and with a friend
Wear suitable shoes and clothing
Bring a cellular telephone
Tell someone where they are going
Bring water and energy bars
Know your physical limits
Check weather conditions prior to hiking
Do not permit animals to be at large
Do not enter the waters of the lower Niagara River
Leave the grounds in its pristine natural state after your visit