On Sunday, where temperatures in Katoomba were expected to hit 36 degrees, a 27-year-old Guildford man set out to walk to Mt Solitary.
Half way through he ran out of water, feeling dizzy and unwell. Police Rescue and Polair were sent in, with the man winched to safety and taken to Katoomba Hospital suffering heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Police have urged people to be prepared before heading into the bush. Carry more than enough water, wear appropriate clothing and register your trip using the digital trip intention form, available at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath, Katoomba Police Station and Springwood Police Station. It is also recommended walkers carry a personal locator beacon (available at the above locations).
Lives at risk
Police are cracking down on people disobeying safety signs to risk their lives by waterfalls and cliff edges in the national park.
On January 4, police were contacted regarding numerous people in dangerous positions at Katoomba Falls, where there is a 100m drop.
“Upon arrival police located eight people who were all on the wrong side of the safety fencing, swimming or taking photos on the falls,” said Blue Mountains Police Detective Chief Inspector Dietmar Almer.
As police approached the area a man slipped, but regained his footing a metre from the edge. All people were safely removed and issued with warnings regarding their behaviour.
“Police will be taking action against offenders who continue to risk not only their own lives, but those of emergency services who are contacted to attend on a regular basis,” Det Chief Insp Almer said.