HIKERS and bushwalkers are being urged to take additional precautions when venturing into areas including the Grampians National Park in the coming months, after a number of recent incidents have required emergency services.
The Grampians National Park, along with the Lerderderg State Park and the Werribee Gorge State Park, are some sites which have kept Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers busy over the past six weeks, prompting fifteen separate search or rescue operations across the three locations.
With wintery conditions causing it to become dark early and temperatures to drop, hikers are being urged to remain alert as wet conditions and early dusk increases the risk of hypothermia and serious injury caused by slips or falls.
In the Grampians, volunteers are frequently dispatched to the Cool Chambers, at the bottom of The Pinnacle walk, Bridal Veil Falls, and Mackenzie Falls, while Mount Langi Ghiran is also a well-known hotspot for bushwalkers to be injured on their descent.
A man was airlifted to Melbourne from the Grampians only a few months ago after sustaining upper body injuries while hiking, which was just one of several recent incidents requiring assistance from emergency services.
Each search requires around eight VICSES volunteers in three vehicles, for an average of four hours, amounting to thirty-two hours of volunteer time for each rescue, which does not include the work undertaken by Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police Search and Rescue personnel.
Parks Victoria urge people to be well prepared and choose the right hike for their abilities and the conditions, taking into account any recent wet or windy weather that may have impacted the walking track.
Parks Victoria district manager, Jodi Heath, said while winter can be a great time to venture outside, people need to remain cautious and prepare for all scenarios.
“Winter can be a wonderful time to experience nature, but extra planning is needed to account for the shorter days and cold, wet weather,” she said.
“Research your hikes using trusted information sources, hike within your abilities and follow marked trails and signage to reduce your chances of getting lost or injured.
“Also, you cannot rely on your mobile service, as some areas do not have mobile coverage”.
To stay safe while hiking, Parks Victoria recommends selecting a hike relevant to your fitness level and available time, as well as planning ahead by checking weather forecasts, telling someone where you are going and when you intend to return, and not walking alone.
People are also encouraged to dress for the conditions and pack plenty of food, water, spare clothing, a fully charged smart phone, torch, map, and first aid kit.
For more information on how to remain safe while hiking, visit parks.vic.gov.au
