Elyria police issue Cascade Falls warning ahead of social media cliff-jumping event

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) - The Elyria Police Department is reminding the public of safety practices and what is prohibited at Cascade Falls on Wednesday.

The department said it is aware of social media posts being shared about a cliff-jumping “link up” and wants visitors to remember what practices are prohibited in the area.

According to the department, the following actions are prohibited:

• Swimming in the Black River within the city of Elyria
• Bringing or consuming alcoholic beverages in a city park

The department warns that cliff jumping into the Black River is illegal and can result in a citation from police and Lorain County Metro Parks Rangers.

Anyone who violates city ordinance 521.11, which prohibits swimming in the Black River within the city of Elyria, will be cited for a minor misdemeanor.

Police say that conditions, like high water levels and swift currents, create underwater hazards that may not be visible from the surface.

Police are encouraging visitors to stay on designated trails. “Leaving marked paths near the gorge can lead to unstable ledges, steep drop-offs and serious injury,” the department said.

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe. Please make responsible decisions and help us prevent a tragedy at Cascade Falls,” police said.