Katoomba: Chris Webber today announced that the results of a new Freedom of Information (GIPAA) request show an increase of local bushwalker rescues by 9%, from 172 to 188 incidents. This rate of increase is about the same as it was when Mountains Mishaps: death, and misadventure in the Blue Mountains was published.
- Between 1/6/2024 and 1/6/2025 Blue Mountains Police Rescue responded to 188 rescue incidents resulting from outdoor recreation activities, in the Greater Blue Mountains (Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGA’s).
- Of those, 53 incidents resulted from the person / persons becoming lost.
- All of the location listed cover all outdoor recreation incidents referred to in question one. The total number for this question is also 188
- Of the 188 outdoor recreation incidents, 14 were initiated by a PLB activation.
The number of persons involved is uncertain as only the number of incidents is known; a single incident usually involves one or two people but in the past, a few have involved up to 14 people.
These figures may be compared to the 2019 total of 172 incidents and the 2018 total of around 133 incidents relating to outdoor recreation in the region for which Blue Mountains Police Area Command is responsible (Full details are given on page 3 of Mountains Mishaps)
“Blue Mountains visitor numbers have returned to pre-COVID levels and it’s more important than ever to ensure they enjoy their stay without a mishap. More than 300 people are rescued every year,” says Chris Webber, the author. “Avoiding a mishap is easy, cheap and simple: Use the right gear, prepare for your walk, and report your walk. Go to the NSW National Parks TREK page for more information or scan the QR code on page seven of the book.