22/02/2026
No matter how experienced a bushwalker (or backcountry fisherman) you think you are, always follow the TREK principles as promoted by NSW Police Rescue.
T - take adequate supplies (food, water, navigation aids, first aid)
R - register your route (leave written details with trusted friend, family, police)
E - emergency beacon (PLB) check.
K - keep to your plan (don't deviate from planned route, or extend your trip without advising those in 'R' above.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17FqwadGKV/
I have repeatedly advised the relevant authorities that the figures mentioned in this article are out of date and inaccurate. I even paid for the numbers to be collected and updated myself (via freedom of information requests). Last year, there were 188 rescue operations in the Blue Mountains but this article (Blue Mountains Gazette 11/2/26) quotes the 2013 figure of 130 persons being rescued. Except for the COVID years, since 2013 there was an increase of about 10% p.a. in the number of rescue operations. A rescue operation could easily involve an average of two people, so the number of people rescued could now be around 400 a year. For instance, one of the largest rescue operations was for 24 people and required two helicopters to lift out 45 people, including rescue personnel. Other rescue operations have involved groups of 11-14 people. As the article says, most of these operations could have been prevented by following the TREK protocol. More up to date information is available at https://mountainsmishaps.com.au
