The Christmas holiday break allows people to take advantage of the good weather and venture into Tasmania’s wilderness, or onto our water, to enjoy their chosen activity.

Tasmania Police take this opportunity to remind those intending to head into the outdoors to ensure they have taken all possible precautions to enhance their safety, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Bushwalking Tips

Bushwalking enthusiasts who are intending to explore the outdoors this summer are being urged to prepare for the unexpected.  Each year a number of bushwalkers become lost and require the assistance of Search and Rescue personnel. While most lost walkers are found within 24-48 hours, there have been a number of cases that have ended in tragedy.

For those heading into the wilderness:

• ensure you have an adequate level of fitness for the bushwalk you intend to undertake
• ensure you pack clothing items suitable for a variety of weather conditions (just because it is a fine and sunny the day you leave, does not mean Tasmania’s highland weather will remain that way)
• carry a torch, Personal Locator Beacon, mobile phone, basic first aid kit, and enough food and water for the journey with some in reserve
• research your intended trip, including maps, guide books, and weather forecasts
• tell someone about your trip, including details such as departure point, intended route and expected return time (if possible, set contact points and times), and
• ensure you record your details in log-books where provided at various places throughout the wilderness national parks.

Water Safety Tips

For those heading onto the water:

• ensure you are properly prepared with items including life jackets and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
• make sure you tell someone about your trip, including expected return time, and
• most importantly, check the weather forecast.

Remember, alcohol limits apply to vessel operators too. Vessel operators who drink alcohol to excess when out on the water are a danger to themselves and others. The law allows Tasmanian police officers to breath test vessel operators for alcohol; if you are caught, you will be fined and may lose your vessel licence.

Whilst Tasmania Police support the carriage of Personal Locator Beacons (on land) and EPIRBs (at sea) they remind walkers and boaters that the activation of these devices should be reserved for emergency or distress situations only.