In the past two months, Victoria’s State Emergency Service has conducted at least 15 searches or rescue operations.
They were all in just three locations — the Lerderderg State Park, Werribee Gorge and the Grampians National Park — but authorities want all adventurers to take care for their own security and the safety of volunteers.
Other common spots where VICSES volunteers have frequently been called to rescue hikers include Eurobin Falls at Mt Buffalo, Woolshed Falls near Beachworth and the You Yangs near Lara.
In the Grampians, volunteers are often dispatched to the Cool Chambers at the bottom of the Pinnacle track, Bridal Veil Falls and Mackenzie Falls.
Mount Cole and Mount Langi Ghiran are also well-known hotspots, with several would-be bushwalkers becoming injured on their descent.
VICSES unit controller Bill Robson said volunteers were there to help, but members of the public needed to also help themselves, wherever they were exploring.
“Our volunteers are always committed to the safety of our community and are ready to respond 24/7, but we’d love people to be well prepared and take appropriate precautions,” Mr Robson said.
It does not take long for it to get dark, the temperature to drop and conditions to get slippery in winter.
This increases the risk of serious injury from slips and falls and of hypothermia.
Each search requires about eight VICSES volunteers in three vehicles for an average of four hours, amounting to 32 hours of volunteer time for each rescue. This does not include the work undertaken by Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police Search and Rescue personnel.
Parks Victoria has urged people to be well prepared and choose the right hike for their abilities and the conditions. They should also consider how recent wet and windy weather might have impacted the walking track.
Parks Victoria district manager Jodi Heath warned people not to underestimate the conditions and not to rely on mobile phones.
“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.”
When planning walks, people are urged to use trusted sources of information like the Parks Victoria website.
Visitor guides on park-specific pages also have maps and information about walking difficulty and estimated duration, based on the Australian Walking Track Grading System. There are also important and timely updates on park or track closures.
Hiking or bushwalking apps can be helpful as a guide, but use crowdsourced information by hikers of varied experience levels. A listing for a one or two-hour round trip, made by an experienced hiker, might take you much longer depending on conditions and your level of fitness.
Safety tips
• Choose the right hike based on your fitness, the time you have available and what you want to see. Make sure you allow enough time to complete your hike in daylight.
• Plan ahead. Check the weather forecast and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Avoid walking alone.
• Dress and pack appropriately. Wear the right clothes for conditions (such as sturdy shoes, weather-proof jacket), take plenty of food, water and spare clothing, have a fully charged smartphone and torch and don’t forget a local map and first aid kit.
