NSW National Parks and Surf Life Saving Australia encourage safety awareness over Easter

With the Easter long weekend underway, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Surf Life Saving Australia are encouraging bushwalkers and beach goers to prioritise safety.

NPWS Acting Executive Director Kylie Yeend said that while it's fantastic to see so many people planning an Easter escapade in a national park this long weekend, it's also important to remember that these areas are wild places.

Yeend notes “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.

“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.

“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.”

The 2023/24 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.

NPWS has partnered with Surf Life Saving Australia on their 'Draw a Line' campaign, advocating for beach safety awareness and education.

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.

Yeend adds “Nearly all beaches in NSW's national parks are remote and unpatrolled, and many do not have mobile phone reception.

“This means if you, a friend, or a family member gets into trouble, help may not be able to arrive in time.”

“If you're desperate for a swim this long weekend, visit a patrolled beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.”

Image top. Figure 8 Pools in the Royal National Park Credit: Visit Bundeena; Image above: Safety sign warning visitors to take care near cliff edges at an unfenced lookout in Blue Mountains National Park