Authorities are urging hikers and hikers to properly prepare for winter hiking with the concern of hypothermia and growing pressure on those responding after recent rescues.
Key points:
- Hikers urged to prepare for winter excursions in southern WA, as conditions may change rapidly
- Authorities say rescues are more difficult at this time of year, especially on the peaks of Stirling Range
- Hikers asked for reconsideration if the forecasts are not favorable
The Great South region has some of WA’s most popular excursions, especially during the winter with possible snow on the tops of the Stirling Range.
Excursion to the summit of Bluff Knoll is one of the most visited in WA and offers stunning views from the top of 1090 m.
But a number of people have needed to be rescued from the peak in recent months.
Wayne Green, a fire department and emergency services official, said it could be harder to rescue people in the winter because of the elements and conditions.
“We’ve had a situation where not only our crew on the ground, but also our rescue helicopter crew has been endangered while trying to rescue people from Bluff Knoll, particularly where the wind has had a big impact on security. of the plane, “Superintendent Green said.
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Winter Hiking Tips:
- Plan your activity and notify others of your expected return time
- Be prepared with the right clothes, food and water for the location and the weather
- Check the weather forecast
- Visit the Parks and Wildlife Alerts page for more information on closures
- Install the EmergencyWA application on your phone
- If you’re traveling to more distant places, bring a personal location beacon or a satellite phone
- Be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of anyone else, including children, in your care.
(Source: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions)
He said emergency services had to repeatedly try to rescue a man who fell from Bluff Knoll due to wind and rain.
“Weather conditions not only endanger our lifeguards on the ground, but also ours in the air,” he said.
“We’re not saying don’t go out and explore our beautiful landscapes, especially in the Great South, but just make sure you take these risks into account and be prepared for them, this will help reduce the impact on emergencies. “.
Gnowangerup State Emergency Service Director Carli Rooney said winter conditions made rescues much more difficult for its members.
He said hypothermia was one of the biggest problems in the calls for help they received during the winter.
Floods amid the dangers of winter hiking
Some roads in South Western Australia may also experience large puddles and flooding.
HikeWest president Dave Osbourne said parts of the Bibbulum track were susceptible and that there was an area around the Pingerup plains that was heavily flooded.
“You may be wading your thigh deep in the water in the middle of winter to get through this area,” he said.
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