A MAN survived a plunge over Niagara Falls with only the clothes on his back, the first person known to have done it and lived.

Witnesses saw Kirk Jones, 40, of Canton, Michigan, float by on his back in the Niagara River and plunge 180ft down the Canadian side, known as the Horseshoe Falls.

They described how he managed to pull himself on to rocks below the falls, which attract some 12 million tourists a year.

Brenda McMullen said: ''He just looked calm. He was gliding by so fast. I was in shock that I saw a person go by.''

Her husband, Terry, took photographs as Jones pulled himself on to the bank.

Television showed police leading away a bare-chested man in handcuffs, his face covered by a blanket.

Jones was taken to hospital and was said to be in stable condition. Psychological tests were planned but Jones could be fined $10,000 ((pounds) 6000).

Police have not charged a person with him who was thought to have made a film.

Police ruled out the possibility it was a suicide attempt.

''We're investigating it as an intentional act,'' said Paul Fortier, a police inspector.

Brian Merrett, chairman of Niagara Parks Commission, called the stunt ''stupid''.

''It puts all of our people - the fire department, the paramedics - everyone at risk to do the rescues. That's why were are so adamant about stunting.'' Niagara, the world's second largest waterfall, has claimed 5000 lives in three centuries, either from suicide or accident.

Since 1901, 15 daredevils have taken the plunge in barrels or other devices such as a kayak or water jet. Ten survived.

In 1960, Roger Woodward, seven, survived a plunge over the falls wearing only a life jacket. He was plucked to safety after the boat he was in drifted over when a motor failed.

''I hope this person realises he's been given a second chance in life,'' said Mr Woodward, now 50. ''He is the luckiest man I have ever seen. I want to rub his head. Maybe then I'll win the lottery.''

The falls straddle the US-Canada border, with the American Falls considered rockier and more dangerous. No-one has survived a plunge over them. About 600,000 gallons of water pours over the falls each second.

man versus nature

1827

Three hotels stacked an old schooner with animals for a publicity stunt, and sent it over. Only a goose survived.

19th century

Skywalkers like William Hunt, alias the Great Farini, and Charles Blondin crossed on a tightrope. Later they did it blindfolded, or with people on their backs, or drunk.

1901

Annie Taylor, 63, a Michigan teacher, was the first to survive a deliberate tumble over the falls in a 4.5ft barrel. George Stakathis died in a barrel fall in 1930, suffocating after being trapped for 14 hours behind the waters. His pet turtle survived.

1957

The leader of a religious sect died when he stepped into the current and tried to will the racing water to stop.

1995

Robert Overacker, a jet skier, was dragged to his death when his parachute failed to open when taking a jet ski over the falls. Virtually all the old stunts to promote tourism are now banned.