Patterns of behaviour that pose potential drowning risk to hikers at Yosemite National Park

Hikers at Yosemite National Park frequently enter hazardous risk zones near the Merced River, particularly during hot summer conditions. A study observed 1417 instances over 32 days and found that 81% of observation hours involved hikers in these areas, with higher rates linked to warmer air temperatures and later hike starts, while water levels had a negative association. Males, teenagers, and solo hikers were more likely to venture into dangerous zones. The research highlights the need for targeted safety measures based on behavioral and environmental patterns.

Girasek, D. C., Marschall, J. S., & Pope, D. (2016). Patterns of behaviour that pose potential drowning risk to hikers at Yosemite National Park. Journal of Travel Medicine, 23(1), tav016. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/tav016