The NSW Police Force has partnered with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to launch a safety campaign urging outdoor visitors to prepare when embarking on adventures in unfamiliar bush areas.
Supporting the Think Before you TREK campaign, Minister for Police, Paul Toole said the campaign followed a series of recent rescues involving injured or lost hikers, canyoners and abseilers.
“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.
“This is not only about keeping you safe, but also the emergency services crews tasked with responding to these types of incidents.”
Rescue Team Leader with Blue Mountains Police, Sergeant Dallas Atkinson said that so far this year, police had rescued 110 hikers in the Blue Mountains region alone.
“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,” he said.
“This year, we have already experienced heavy rain, flash flooding and landslides.”
Sgt Atkinson said it took only a few simple steps to get ready for the bush and it could be the difference between life and death.
He said people should ensure they took enough water, food, equipment, navigation and first aid supplies; registered their trip on the NPWS website and told someone when to expect their return; installed the Emergency Plus app on their phones and brought a personal locator beacon; and kept to their planned route.
“The reality is that often people will get lost despite their best efforts,” Sgt Atkinson said.
“If you’re prepared, emergency services will be able to locate and rescue you,” he said.
“It’s always a good day for police when we can bring people safely home to their loved ones.”
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has released information on preparing for outdoor adventures and it can be accessed at this PS News link.
