With the long weekend fast approaching, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have two key messages for visitors this Easter.
NPWS Acting Executive Director Kylie Yeend said that its fantastic to see so many people planning an Easter escapade in a national park this long weekend, but that it’s important to remember that these areas are wild places.
‘NSW National parks are remote and unpredictable and your preparedness and decision making on park can be the difference between returning home safely and disaster,’ said Ms Yeend.
If you’re going bushwalking, stay safe by planning your trip for all conditions and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
‘Every year around 130 bushwalkers get lost or need rescuing in Blue Mountains National Park,’ said Ms Yeend.
‘While most people are found within 24 hours, occasionally a weekend adventure can turn into a tragedy.’
‘Before you leave home, check the NSW National Parks alerts page for up-to-date safety alerts. You can also download the NSW National Parks app and Emergency Plus app for location and emergency services information,’ said Ms Yeend.
The 2023ndash;24 summer season witnessed 99 drowning deaths across Australia, with many of those deaths occurring at unpatrolled and isolated locations including beaches and rivers.
Drowning risk more than doubles during public holidays and long weekends.
‘Nearly all beaches in NSW’s national parks are remote and unpatrolled, and many do not have mobile phone reception,’ said NPWS Acting Executive Director Kylie Yeend.
‘This means if you, a friend, or a family member gets into trouble, help may not be able to arrive in time.’
Coastal locations including Fingal Spit in Tomaree National Park, the Figure 8 Pools in the Royal National Park and Killalea Beach in the Illawarra are not recommended for swimming, with signage in place advising that these are unpatrolled beaches with strong currents.
‘If you’re desperate for a swim this long weekend, visit a patrolled beach and swim between the red and yellow flags,’ said Ms Yeend.
NPWS has partnered with Surf Life Saving Australia on their ‘Draw a Line’ campaign, advocating for beach safety awareness and education. Visit BeachSafe.org.au
