A survivor of a 30ft fall at a waterfall site with a history of fatalities is calling for enhanced safety measures to prevent further accidents.

On New Year's Day, 50-year-old Suzie Dyer suffered severe injuries to her hip, back, and pelvis while hiking in the Brecon Beacons, also known as Bannau Brycheiniog, in Waterfall Country.

Since 2023, three fatalities have occurred in the area, prompting Dyer, an experienced hiker, to express concerns that more lives may be lost unless certain paths are closed to the public.

Both Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Association (BBNPA) have reported significant upgrades to the area, including improved signage, footpaths, and steps.

The ownership and management of the land are shared among the BBNPA, NRW, and three local authorities, which collectively oversee the maintenance and safety of the area.

Dyer, currently undergoing a lengthy recovery and unable to leave her sofa, has a vivid recollection of the incident, describing it as "the moment that changed everything."

Upon regaining consciousness after the 30ft fall, Dyer's primary concern was her daughter, and she recalls thinking, "I'm not ready to leave my daughter."

Dyer considers herself fortunate to have survived the accident, stating, "I am lucky to be alive," and acknowledging that her survival was unexpected.

A graphic image of an arm injury is included in this article, serving as a warning to readers.

Dyer, a gardener from Hereford, had embarked on a hike with a friend along the Four Waterfalls Walk, a circular route that passes by several waterfalls, including Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira.

Having visited the area twice before, Dyer proceeded along a narrow and eroded path after viewing the first waterfall, quickly realizing the potential dangers.

In a split second, Dyer found herself over the edge, resulting in a severe fall.

The experience was traumatic not only for Dyer but also for her friend, who witnessed the accident and was left shaken.

According to NRW, the incident occurred on a path that was not part of the official trail, and clear warning signs were in place to alert visitors.

The BBNPA stated that while it is possible for visitors to deviate from the promoted route at the Clun-Gwyn waterfall, clear signage was present to indicate that the forward path was closed due to hazardous conditions.

However, Dyer claims she did not see any warning signs or barriers to prevent her from accessing the closed path.

Dyer emphasized that she would never intentionally disregard rules or warnings, stating, "No-one warned me, there were no barriers, there was no tape to say it was shut."

Dyer's life was saved by the timely intervention of three fellow walkers and the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, as well as emergency services.

The rescue operation, which took four hours to complete, was complex and required careful stabilization of Dyer before she could be transported to the waiting air ambulance.

Huw Jones, a member of the Central Beacons team for over four decades, described the area as an "upside-down mountain" for rescuers, characterized by its remote and wilderness-like nature.

Jones acknowledged the efforts of landowners to improve the area's infrastructure, including steps and handrails, but emphasized that maintaining safety is an ongoing challenge due to the dynamic nature of the environment.

Jones noted that human curiosity often leads people to venture off designated paths, increasing the risk of accidents.

As people explore and seek new experiences, they may inadvertently expose themselves to greater risks, particularly on less maintained paths.

With three fatalities in the area since 2023, the spotlight is now on improving safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

The deaths of Helen and Rachael Patching, aged 52 and 33, from Kent, and 26-year-old Corey Longdon from Gloucester, who died in 2024, have raised concerns about the area's safety.

An assistant coroner, who presided over the inquests into these deaths, recommended clearer signage and improved mobile phone signal in the area to enhance safety.

This recommendation followed a previous report that highlighted concerns about signage in the area after the 2021 death of 22-year-old Akeem Rhoden, who drowned at Sgwd Y Pannwr.

Local residents, familiar with the trail, often assist lost hikers, according to Clyde Baker, a lifelong resident of Pontneddfechan.

Baker described the frequency of mountain rescue call-outs, stating, "You'll hear sirens every Saturday, every Sunday," and advocated for a full-time warden and improved signage.

Baker emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures, saying, "It's pretty much like New York on the weekend," and highlighting the importance of addressing the issue.

Andrew Lamb, a walking guide, wrote to NRW and the BBNPA in August 2024, requesting the closure of a section of path around Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, which has been established as a diversion.

Lamb believes that clear and regular signage, as well as a return to a circular route, would be the safest approach, warning that otherwise, more accidents and fatalities may occur.

He stressed that visitors need to be guided through the route, as the area can be complex to navigate, even for experienced hikers.

Michael Cresswell of NRW offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Waterfall Country and highlighted the organization's ongoing efforts to improve safety.

Cresswell stated that NRW has made and continues to make improvements, including maintaining and enhancing signage and footpaths, monitoring high-risk areas, and encouraging visitors to stay on designated trails.

He acknowledged the inherent risks associated with visiting Waterfall Country, describing it as a "beautiful but wild and rugged place," and reaffirmed NRW's commitment to reducing risks wherever possible.

Cresswell emphasized that the organization's safety efforts are informed by an independent safety review commissioned in 2023.

The goal of reducing risks and preventing accidents remains a top priority for NRW, as they work to balance the need for safety with the desire to preserve the area's natural beauty and appeal.

Visitors to the area are advised to exercise caution, regardless of their swimming experience, and to be prepared for the challenging terrain by sticking to designated trails.

In relation to the incident involving Suzie Dyer, the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) emphasized that warning signs are prominently displayed at the point where the Four Falls Trail diverges at Clun-Gwyn Uchaf Waterfall, alerting visitors to potential hazards.

The warning signs explicitly state that the path ahead is closed due to unstable and narrow sections, falling rocks, and steep drops with no protection, highlighting the risk of fatal and serious accidents that have occurred in the area recently.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA) has expressed its condolences to those affected by past incidents in Waterfall Country.

The BBNPA acknowledged concerns about safety on the Four Waterfalls Walk, including the incident on January 1 and earlier concerns raised by the public, and is taking these issues into consideration.

The authority noted that Waterfall Country's landscape is inherently challenging, characterized by steep and uneven terrain, and paths that are susceptible to weather conditions, erosion, and heavy visitor traffic.

The BBNPA collaborated with NRW and local authorities to maintain paths, enhance signage, and provide visitors with accurate safety information, while also recognizing the crucial role of mountain rescue volunteers who respond to incidents in demanding and hazardous conditions.

The authority stated that it is currently reviewing safety information and signage in light of recent inquests and will take into account any recommendations made by the coroner upon receipt.