Local residents and visitors use glowing superlatives to describe the beauty of Lehigh Gorge State Park, but along with these oohs and aahs come repeated warnings that there is danger, even death, for the careless.

It seems every year the warnings go unheeded. Whether it is hikers falling or waders refusing to obey the restricted swimming signs, first responders and volunteers spend an inordinate amount of time helping rescue those who find themselves in trouble.

Jim Thorpe, the community closest to the park and its spectacular Glen Onoko Falls, bears the brunt of these rescues, and borough officials want the state to step up enforcement of those who refuse to obey the rules.

Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Vince Yaich, who says that his department is called at least a dozen times a year to attend to injured hikers or swimmers or to recover the bodies of swimmers who miscalculate the swift currents prevalent in the river, believes the state should get tough on violators.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Yaich said park rangers should ticket violators. “If there’s no swimming, like the park is saying, then enforce it. Don’t just put up a sign,” he said. “You catch somebody in there swimming, you fine them. End of conversation.”

Jim Thorpe Councilman Jay Miller agreed, saying that those who ignore the safe practices recommended in the warning signs are needlessly putting first responders at risk when a rescue becomes necessary.

Park Manager Rex Bradish said because of jurisdictional complications the state would rather educate parkgoers rather than ticket them.

The state did put up signs that say “Notice: dangerous currents; not a designated swimming area.”

I wonder why the state used such wishy-washy language. How about something more direct and not subject to misinterpretation, such as: “No swimming. Violators will be prosecuted”?

I can understand why Jim Thorpe officials are frustrated by this seemingly endless replay year after year, but, really, when you think about it, the park attracts people from all over the state and nation.

Most of them are clueless about the drownings, the hiking accidents and the other hidden dangers awaiting them. What they see is this magnificent work of nature that beckons them.

They have not read the warnings published in the Times News and other publications. Many hear of this retreat through word-of-mouth. Some website searches will mention the dangers in passing, but I spoke to several visitors from Kentucky who were about to begin a hike. Yes, they saw the sign that said: “This trail is extremely dangerous. Follow these rules to be safe — hiking boots only; no sneakers or flip-flops; no drugs or alcohol; stay on trail; good physical condition of hiker. People have been seriously hurt or killed by not following these rules.”

“I figured this was put up for liability purposes,” said one of the hikers. “I really did not take it literally.”

I told him that he should and ticked off some of the incidents that required rescues or recoveries just this year. He agreed that he and his friend would be careful, but I had the distinct feeling that his promise was hollow, made merely to placate me and get me out of their hair.

There also is another sign that says: “Danger! People have been seriously hurt or killed in this area. Extreme caution should be urged at all times.”

Brandish and his staff spend much of their time on increased patrols and trying to educate park visitors about the beauty but also the dangers of the park and falls.

There have been at least 15 deaths and more than 60 injuries at the falls and park in the past 40 years.

This issue revolves around the perennial question: How much emphasis on enforcement is too much? After all, enjoying the wonders of nature is always a delicate balance between safety and enjoyment.

There are those who recommend installation of artificial devices which will improve safety but compromise the view and the pristine condition of this wondrous place.

Swimmers and hikers want to challenge their endurance and capabilities. They want to be able to say that they did it. Those with limited skills too often pay the price for this machismo.

Experienced travel writer and photographer Jim Cheney, writing in Uncovering Pennsylvania, called the Lehigh Gorge trek a very challenging trail. “Expect slippery, narrow trails, many rocks, and even some places where you will need to use your hands to assist in your climb up the hill toward the falls,” he wrote.

As for the trail leading to the falls, Cheney warns, “Please do not cross the ropes that are placed above the falls. The rocks above the falls can be very slippery, and serious injury or even death has come from people standing too close to the edge of the falls and tumbling over.”

Cheney calls the hike one of the most amazing in Pennsylvania, the most challenging he has done in the state along a real trail. “While I believe that it can be done by anyone in decent shape that brings the right footwear and mentality to this hike, it is important to understand that people die or get seriously injured in this gorge every year,” he warned.

I recommend that all of the state agencies involved in supervision and maintenance of the park, game lands and falls, along with local officials and first responders, hold a brainstorming session to find a workable strategy to address these safety concerns once and for all, then enforce them.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com