FALLS ON ROCK (4), CLIMBING UNROPED (3), FALLING ROCK—

NO HELMET

Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park

There were five reports of climbing accidents from Devil's Lake this year, three of which resulted in fractures. The falling rock incident resulted in a concussion, as the victim was not wearing a helmet.

The average age of the victims was 22. Their skill levels and the difficulty of the routes were not included in the reports. There were an additional eleven “scrambling” incidents. These involve people getting off trail and slipping among loose rocks and boulders. All but one of the injuries in these cases were lacerations because of the nature of the rock. (Source: Steven Schmelzer, Park Ranger)