The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a critical reminder to bushwalkers to uphold safety measures, which comes as a timely warning after recent sub-zero overnight summer temperatures experienced in Kosciuszko National Park. These unpredictable conditions highlight the importance of preparation ahead of embarking on potentially hazardous national park adventures.
PHOTO: Snowy Mountains Highway passes Blowering Reservoir towrads Tumut, Koscisuzko National Park. CREDIT: Murray Vanderveer (DPIE)
NPWS advised the key to greater safety in expansive and often remote areas are personal locator beacons and trip intention forms. Personal locator beacons, which are compact and reliable, serve as a lifeline by transmitting distress signals via satellite when activated. These devices can be hired at no cost from twelve national park visitor centres across NSW or purchased from outdoor retail shops. Additionally, trip intention forms provide a vital communication link,
supplying NPWS with detailed information about the planned route, expected return time, and notable features such as attire colour. Sharing these details with an emergency contact is also strongly advised.
PHOTO: A woman wearing a personal locator beacon CREDIT: (OEH).
Naomi Stephens, Acting Deputy Secretary for NPWS, emphasised the significance of these precautions in ensuring the safety of the approximately 53 million annual visitors to the state’s national parks. She noted that, irrespective of a hiker’s experience level, the risk of becoming disoriented is substantial, reinforcing the importance of adequate preparation.
“In New South Wales we are lucky to be surrounded by incredible national parks, but these landscapes can be unforgiving and it’s very easy to get lost, whether you are new to hiking or a seasoned veteran,” Ms Stephens said.
“It is crucial for hikers to inform someone about their plans, carry a personal locator beacon, and ensure they are well-equipped with the necessary supplies.”
Further safety measures include familiarising oneself with the route, carrying protective and visible clothing, and ensuring the presence of essential supplies like water, food, and navigation aids.
For comprehensive safety advice and further information on these safety tools, hikers are encouraged to visit the NPWS website or check with national park visitor centres.