Winter temperatures call for bushwalking safety!

ACT Policing and ACT Parks and Conservation Service are reminding Canberrans to practice safe bush walking behaviour this winter season.

Earlier this month ACT Rural Patrol responded to a call out after two hikers failed to return to a carpark as scheduled.  

The hikers had no phone reception and lacked adequate resources to survive out in the open overnight.  

This incident is the second search and rescue of bushwalkers in the past month and police are urging the community to take rapidly changing weather conditions seriously.  

“With average day temperatures between 1° and 12° degrees and average night temperatures falling well below 0° we are urging Canberrans, now more than ever, to practice safe bushwalking behaviour,” Senior Constable Angus Ferguson, from ACT Policing Rural Patrol said. 

Despite police warnings, Canberrans are still finding themselves requiring police assistance.  

“Canberrans must be aware of how dangerous the conditions can be when you factor in the actual temperature and then wind chill. Being stuck out in the cold can be deadly,” Sergeant Andrew Craig, from AFP Search and Rescue said.  

Executive Branch Manager of ACT Parks and Conservation Service Stephen Alegria said that conditions in parks and reserves can be unpredictable, and the risks associated with bushwalking increase as you attempt more remote or higher difficulty tracks,  

“We love to see people enjoying ACT’s parks and reserves and know how important time outdoors is to physical and mental wellbeing, but it is important to reduce the risks and stay safe. Mobile phone reception can be unreliable so you must plan ahead,” Mr. Alegria said. 

Bushwalkers intending to head out when cold conditions are forecast are reminded to:  

•  Wear appropriate clothing (including carrying additional clothes and wet weather gear)  

•  Take some form of shelter (even if you aren’t planning to stay overnight)  

• Carry extra food and water  

•  Let friends and family know where you are hiking and when you are due to return   

• Use the bushwalking registers available at the trail head of many popular walks 

• Download the “what three words” and “Emergency Plus +” app to assist in confirming your location   

• Carry a personal locator beacon (These are available for hire also through the Namadgi Visitor Centre) 

• Plan your trip (recognising your physical ability)   

For more safety advice, visit the ACT Parks website. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au