Better 'safe than sorry’ in the bush

“Tread Softly” has been a maxim for four-wheel-driving in Australia for years.

State Forests of NSW also has a new maxim for water lovers who visit the bush: “swim safely”.

“Australians love nothing more than a good day out around a water hole of some sort, whether it be the home swimming pool, the local community pool, the beach or the bush dam,” said State Forests North East Region general manager, Steve Rayson.

“We have all heard stories of people jumping or diving into waterholes and injuring themselves, usually by hitting their heads or breaking their necks.

“Most of these accidents could be avoided if people took reasonable precautions to minimise the risks.

“Diving into creeks and river water holes is always a dangerous practice, as the depth can vary from time to time and underwater logs and other hazards which may have become lodged there after floods are often not clearly visible.”

Sometimes people swing from ropes tied to trees overhanging water holes.

“Jumping from ropes into water always is dangerous. One little slip means you can hit the water the wrong way, or even fall and hit the bank or rocks where you didn’t intend to go. The next thing you know you are a paraplegic,” Mr Rayson said.

“State Forests periodically removes these ropes whenever they are detected, but the practice persists and is virtually impossible to eradicate.

“There are hundreds of such potentially hazardous water holes in State forests and other reserves, so it is impossible for forest managers to erect appropriate warning signs.”

Mr Rayson said people had to assume responsibility for their own actions, and needed to take sensible precautions.

“It’s an old saying, but with Easter coming up it is one we should all remember in the bush whatever we do: it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Mr Rayson said forest visitors enjoying State forests over the Easter holiday should be aware of their safety as soon as they enter the bush, whether driving, swimming or just picnicking.

“State Forests has constructed a vast network of dirt roads to service harvest operations and provide for fire fighting and control.

“These roads vary greatly in their standards because of their different uses. Drivers should take extra care whenever they are on dirt roads to ensure they can stop if encountering an oncoming vehicle, such as a log truck.”

The safety message even extends to selecting a camping or picnic spot that does not have dangerous overhanging tree branches, or a fireplace that could start a bushfire.

“All it takes is a quick glance around to make sure things are safe, then get on with your day in the knowledge that those around you are as safe as they can be.”

Media contact: Steve Rayson on (02) 6652 0111.