FALL ON ROCK, NO SPOTTER

California, Yosemite Valley, Swan Slab

On July 23, 1992, Michael Poulin fell about eight feet to the ground while bouldering in the Swan Slab area. He sustained a severely angulated right ankle fracture. (Source: C. Jacobi, Ranger, Yosemite National Park)

(Editor's Note: Many injuries could be prevented if proper spotting techniques were used while bouldering—provided the climber is no more than six or eight feet above the spotter.)