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People are being reminded to mind where they tread in National Parks during their outdoor activities this summer. “We always say tread lightly to care for our national parks, to avoid injuries and to help keep species stable,” National Parks, team leader of visitor experience Far South Coast branch, Jo Issaverdis said. Ms Issaverdis said overall people ought to observe and follow the signs National Parks have put up, all of which will inform visitors about any dangers or things to be mindful of. READ ALSO: First look at new Tathra Beach Eco Camp following three-year closure, bushfire rebuild “Just respect the signs, we have important endangered shorebird nesting happening over summer and there’ll be signs and markings to keep people away,” she said. Ms Issaverdis said people ought to also pay mind to signs about cliff edges as well and not cut any corners. Ms Issaverdis said treading carefully and quietly is optimal to respect wildlife and will also help in spotting them. “Wherever and whenever possible, be sensitive to the vegetation because it can be easily destroyed by trampling,” she said. “If you want to see some wildlife just tread quietly and you’ll be amazed what you can see.” Listed below are some of the safety tips provided by National Parks. If you’re thinking of going trekking, National Parks recommends you tell someone about it. They recommend it because every year people go missing on bushwalks so it is important to let someone know when and where you are going. A general rule of thumb when going out for a trek is to come prepared with hydration, food, proper walking gear and other necessary hiking items. READ ALSO: Tathra headland upgrades out for public comment To find out more visit the Think before you TREK page on NSW National Parks website. Visit the bushwalking safety page on National Parks for extra tips on how to be prepared and stay safe. Cheryl McCarthy, director of the Far South Coast Surf Life Saving branch, said if you’re a bit out of practice with your swimming or you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s best to swim at patrolled beaches between the flags. Patrolled beaches in the Bega Valley include: Tathra Beach, Horsehoe Bay Bermagui, Pambula Beach, Aslings Beach Eden, Camel Rock Beach Wallaga, Short Point Beach Merimbula, Bar Beach Merimbula and Main Beach Merimbula. Like with walks, National Parks advises you always let someone know your trip details and when you expect to return. For long trips and remote areas, people can fill out a trip intention form or otherwise can take a personal locator beacon with them. READ ALSO: Safety first! Surf Life Saving shares advice as swimmers return to our beaches Other advice National Parks give for people going to the beach this summer: Another big thing to check is rips and currents in the ocean, for some tips on how to do that visit the surf life saving rip currents page. Watchout for marine wildlife as well, these include marine stingers like the Bluebottle jellyfish, to find out more about it and other stingers visit the the beach safe marine stingers page. Then there’s the basics, bring your sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, sun shelter, insect repellent, food and snacks, a first aid kid, mobile phone and remember to take your rubbish when you leave. Any persons intending to fish, should visit the fishing and rock fishing safety page as well. While waterfalls are exciting to visit and offer impressive photo opportunities, it is important to stick to the designated path as lookout points are often on or near cliff edges. The railings and barriers on these walks are designed to keep you safe and prevent you from falling over the edge, so be respectful and don’t go off the beaten track. READ ALSO: Bega couple on 60 years of marriage: ‘You should always hold your wife’s hand’ National Parks said there are several safety tips to avoid injury or bad accidents which people need to keep in mind:
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People are being reminded to mind where they tread in National Parks during their outdoor activities this summer.
“We always say tread lightly to care for our national parks, to avoid injuries and to help keep species stable,” National Parks, team leader of visitor experience Far South Coast branch, Jo Issaverdis said.
Ms Issaverdis said overall people ought to observe and follow the signs National Parks have put up, all of which will inform visitors about any dangers or things to be mindful of.
“Just respect the signs, we have important endangered shorebird nesting happening over summer and there’ll be signs and markings to keep people away,” she said.
Ms Issaverdis said people ought to also pay mind to signs about cliff edges as well and not cut any corners.
Ms Issaverdis said treading carefully and quietly is optimal to respect wildlife and will also help in spotting them.
“Wherever and whenever possible, be sensitive to the vegetation because it can be easily destroyed by trampling,” she said.
“If you want to see some wildlife just tread quietly and you’ll be amazed what you can see.”
Listed below are some of the safety tips provided by National Parks.
If you’re thinking of going trekking, National Parks recommends you tell someone about it.
They recommend it because every year people go missing on bushwalks so it is important to let someone know when and where you are going.
Remember to come well equipped with good walking shoes, a backpack filled with essentials and sunwear. Photo: Amandine Ahrens
A general rule of thumb when going out for a trek is to come prepared with hydration, food, proper walking gear and other necessary hiking items.
Visit the bushwalking safety page on National Parks for extra tips on how to be prepared and stay safe.
Cheryl McCarthy, director of the Far South Coast Surf Life Saving branch, said if you’re a bit out of practice with your swimming or you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s best to swim at patrolled beaches between the flags.
Patrolled beaches in the Bega Valley include: Tathra Beach, Horsehoe Bay Bermagui, Pambula Beach, Aslings Beach Eden, Camel Rock Beach Wallaga, Short Point Beach Merimbula, Bar Beach Merimbula and Main Beach Merimbula.
Aragunnu Beach, between Bermagui and Tathra on the Far South Coast. Photo: Amandine Ahrens
Like with walks, National Parks advises you always let someone know your trip details and when you expect to return.
Other advice National Parks give for people going to the beach this summer:
- Don’t go to isolated beaches alone whether it’s for swimming, fishing, surfing or a walk.
- Always supervise children in and around water
- Don’t drink and swim (don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
- Don’t dive into water, even if you have already checked water conditions (they can change)
- Only swim during the day
Severs Beach near Pambula. Photo: Amandine Ahrens
Watchout for marine wildlife as well, these include marine stingers like the Bluebottle jellyfish, to find out more about it and other stingers visit the the beach safe marine stingers page.
Bluebottle found at a beach in Narooma on the Far South Coast. Photo: Ben Smyth.
Then there’s the basics, bring your sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, sun shelter, insect repellent, food and snacks, a first aid kid, mobile phone and remember to take your rubbish when you leave.
While waterfalls are exciting to visit and offer impressive photo opportunities, it is important to stick to the designated path as lookout points are often on or near cliff edges.
It is important to never dive or jump into water at waterfalls in case there are any submerged objects. Photo: Amandine Ahrens
The railings and barriers on these walks are designed to keep you safe and prevent you from falling over the edge, so be respectful and don’t go off the beaten track.
National Parks said there are several safety tips to avoid injury or bad accidents which people need to keep in mind:
- Never jump into pools at the base of waterfalls if you cannot see the bottom of the rock pool or you haven’t checked for submerged objects like rocks or fallen branches.
- Never jump into waterfalls from heights
- Be careful not to slip on rocks and paths as they are often very slippery
- Be aware of currents and under currents
- Not all waterfalls are suitable for drinking so bring your own water
- After periods of heavy rain the waterfalls can have strong rushing eater so it is usually safer to avoid swimming near or under.
When walking to waterfalls be careful when crossing rocks or wet surfaces as they are very slippery. Photo: Amandine Ahrens
