Killer waterfall loved by Instagram one of 14 hot weather call-outs for mountain rescuers

As soaring temperatures draw crowds to beauty spots across Wales, a day at Ceunant Mawr waterfall near Llanberis almost ended in tragedy. Rescue volunteers were forced to step in after a person got into difficulty in the water at the popular site beneath Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team later described the incident as a "very near drowning" and said it formed part of 14 emergencies dealt with over the Bank Holiday weekend. According to the team, the majority of incidents were connected to the unusually hot weather with three reported casualties suffering suspected sunstroke/heat-related illness that required air evacuation, as well as multiple stumbles, slips and exhaustion-related call-outs all over Yr Wyddfa. Ceunant Mawr is a two-tier cascade located just a short distance within Eryri National Park. Heritage trains pass close by on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here In recent times, the waterfall has gained attention from social media influencers who have been captivated by its lush surroundings, drawing parallels with Indonesia. Multiple content creators have remarked it "looks like something out of Bali". Local residents have expressed worries, highlighting the risks for those considering picturesque swims for Instagram photographs. Two prominent warning signs are positioned nearby, cautioning people about the perils of swimming at the location, reports North Wales Live . During peak winter flow, the waterfall becomes a ferocious cascade. However, summer can present even greater hazards: while the plunge pools appear inviting, they are deep, unpredictable and bitterly cold. Throughout the years, they have been responsible for multiple fatalities. In 2015, two Gwynedd men drowned there, with two others requiring hospital treatment. Nearly exactly two years afterwards, paramedics returned to the waterfall to assist a man and a boy. Despite numerous warning signs, Ceunant Mawr claimed another life when, in July, 2024, a 29-year-old nurse drowned, likely after losing her footing while in the water. Remarkably, a six-year-old girl survived largely unhurt after being swept down the 100ft waterfall in July, 2020. On social media, one woman remarked it was certainly not a location for an "Instagram swim". One man described it as potentially the area's "worst place to go swimming". Another commented: "The push of the waterfall makes the water drag you down. Very beautiful there, but just for looking." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice