When it comes to adrenaline-pumping activities, bungee bridge jumping is one of the most extreme. But it’s also an amazing way to experience a beautiful landscape. The thrill of launching yourself from a bridge over an awe-inspiring river and mountains can’t be beat.

But the jumps are not for the faint of heart, and the first timers need to be extra cautious and prepared. Pregnant women are definitely ill-advised to do it, and even healthy people will want to wear solid ankle harnesses.

There are some places around the world that offer this extreme activity, including the famous Victoria Falls Bridge in Africa. It’s not the highest bungee jump in the world, but at 111 meters it’s high enough to give you an incredible rush. Jumpers are often asked to sign a waiver on the spot. They are also usually given a short briefing on what to expect. Most people do a simple head-first dive, but the more experienced daredevils try flips and backflips.

The jumpers are secured with a special dynamic system and can even be winched up after the jump. A professional instructor will give a safety speech and help the clients secure themselves in their harnesses.

Once they are ready, the client takes a deep breath and jumps into the river below. The jump is over in a matter of seconds, but the memories will last for a lifetime.

But not all jumps are successful, and a tragic accident in Spain illustrates the dangers of this sport. In August 2015, 17-year-old Vera Mol from the Netherlands was preparing to leap off a 130-foot bridge in northern Spain. The bungee instructor told her not to jump, but she misunderstood him and jumped anyway, plunging into the river and killing herself.

In a recent ruling, an appeals court found the bungee company that organized the jump, Aqua21 Aventura, guilty of accidental homicide. The court cited the fact that the bungee instructor spoke in broken English and had acknowledged his linguistic shortcomings, and it said that Ms. Mol was probably unaware of the risks involved in the activity.

AJ Hackett, a New Zealander, is credited with the sport’s organized growth and popularization. He made his first jump from Greenhithe Bridge in 1986 and later established the first commercial bungee operation, the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown. Since then, the sport has grown exponentially.

In addition to bungee jumping, there are other ways to enjoy the incredible landscape of the French Alps. For example, there is the giant swing, a circular drop that resembles bungee jumping but doesn’t actually involve falling. Bungy Niouc, which runs the giant swing, offers a number of other exciting activities on this stunning bridge. The views are just as awe-inspiring as the 623 foot plunge, with typically crisp blue skies and vast mountains framing the Navizence River swirling below. This is a must-see for adventurers in the area. For more information, visit the Bungy Niouc website.