For the second time in just a few weeks, a huge wave has smashed into a crowd of people at rock pools at the Royal National Park south of Sydney, seriously injuring four.
One man suffered head injuries, two people suffered leg lacerations, and one person received cuts to their chin as the beautiful Figure 8 Pools were once again transformed into a scene of carnage by an unexpected wall of water. Two rescue helicopters were used to winch the injured to safety.
The naturally formed rock pools were once a ‘secret’ spot but have been made famous recently by social media posts and now attract hordes of young adventure seekers.
“From general observations, it definitely is Generation Y visiting, and a high proportion of international visitors, and they’re getting that photo opportunity of the Figure 8 Pools for Instagram,” Kane Weeks, area manager for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Gen Y is looking for adventure in the park, they’re looking for unique spots that have an element of excitement and where there’s a degree of risk, so to speak.”
However, there are growing concerns that visitors who are not aware of the safety issues that are associated with the coastal environment are putting themselves at risk.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service warned people to “use common sense and stay away from the rocks” in heavy swell.
• Do you think more potentially perilous beauty spots should be fenced off from the public to ‘save people from themselves?’
Do I think more potentially perilous beauty spots should be fenced off from the public to ‘save people from themselves?
simply NO
we are becoming to much of a nanny state already. Warning signs yes.
but allow natural selection to happen if fools want to kill them selves…..
Fence them off NO. Just start charging those people that get into trouble the full cost of their rescue and hospital costs. You will never stop the stupid from being stupid if they dont have to pay.