Grey nomad bushwalkers and all outdoor enthusiasts are being urged to plan ahead and be prepared when embarking on adventures in unfamiliar bushland.
The safety appeal from the NSW Police Force follows a series of recent rescues involving injured or lost hikers, as well as canyoners and abseilers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said it was critical those hitting the great outdoors this summer prioritise their own safety.
“We’re all itching to get outside and explore the incredible pockets regional NSW has to offer, but I’m urging everyone to plan ahead, carry essential items, and keep up to date with the latest weather warnings,” Mr Toole said. “With extreme recent rainfall across much of the state in recent weeks, trails and tracks are likely to be damaged or susceptible to landslips, so please take care.”
He said it was not just a matter of keeping members of the public safe, but also the emergency services crews tasked with responding to incidents.
Blue Mountains Police Rescue Team Leader, Sergeant Dallas Atkinson, said that it is predicted to be a busy summer season as more people head outdoors for recreational activities.
“If you are planning to explore a National Park or heading out into the bush, you must pay close attention to the weather conditions and ensure you are carrying appropriate safety gear,” Sgt Atkinson said. “Weather conditions in the region can be unpredictable and change without warning … this year, we have already experienced heavy rain, flash flooding and landslides.”
So far this year, police have rescued 110 hikers in the Blue Mountains region alone, after they became lost or injured.
In one incident in August, a satellite emergency device was activated by two lost and hypothermic bushwalkers in the Blue Mountains region. The hikers were eventually winched to safety by the Toll Rescue helicopter and treated for hypothermia.
In a separate incident last month, emergency services were notified after a group of hikers activated a Personal Locator Beacon in the Wollemi National Park. The group were three days into a 10-day hiking trip when a 56-year-old man fell and suffered a severe crush injury to his hand.
Emergency services located the group, and the injured man was airlifted by Toll Rescue helicopter to Liverpool Hospital for treatment.
Sergeant Atkinson said the recent rescues serve as a timely reminder of how vital it is that bushwalkers are prepared and carry appropriate resources.
“This was a situation that could have ended very differently had they not had the emergency device which allowed emergency services to locate them without difficulty and extract them without delay,” Sgt Atkinson said. “If you’re prepared, emergency services will be able to locate and rescue you … it’s always a good day for police when we can bring people safely home to their loved ones.”
‘Think Before You TREK’ is a bush safety initiative between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Police.
It encourages people heading into the bush and national parks to be prepared, with these simple steps:
More information on the safety campaign is available by clicking here.
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If your are well prepared, including using some latest technology, combine with some good planning and you are reasonably fit and healthy you should not get lost in this day and age.
Some things can always go wrong, like a sprained ankle or a snake bite, but if you are well prepared with the right equipment, and don’t panic you will end up ok..
Stay safe..!