Emergency Services Conduct Nighttime Rescue of Lost Bushwalker
A bushwalker has been successfully rescued from rugged terrain in Darkes Forest after spending a night lost in Dharawal National Park. The man, aged in his 50s, was treated for hypothermia before being airlifted to safety by emergency crews.
Complex Overnight Operation
The incident began on Thursday evening when the walker became disoriented in challenging bushland and began experiencing health issues. At approximately 6:30 PM on January 22, emergency services received a distress call and immediately mobilized response teams.
Illawarra Police Rescue Squad and NSW Rural Fire Service personnel trekked into the national park to locate the missing man, eventually finding him near a creek bed. According to police rescue officials, the bushwalker was "not in a fit condition to walk out" of the remote location.
Aerial Extraction Required
With ground access proving difficult, rescue coordinators called in the Lifesaver Helicopter to assist with extraction. The aircraft performed a delicate winching operation to safely remove both the lost bushwalker and the ground rescue team from the forest.
Paramedics assessed the man at the scene and confirmed he was suffering from mild hypothermia. Fortunately, his condition did not require hospital treatment following the medical evaluation.
Australia Day Safety Warning
As the Australia Day long weekend approaches, emergency services have issued renewed safety warnings for outdoor activities. With temperatures expected to reach 36 degrees in some Illawarra regions on Sunday, authorities are particularly concerned about water safety.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce emphasized that coastal drowning risks triple on public holidays, with Australia Day presenting especially high danger. "Australia Day is one of the busiest days of the year on our beaches," Pearce stated. "Enjoy the weekend but make sure that if you're heading to the beach, visit a patrolled location and only swim between the red and yellow flags."
The warning follows four shark incidents recorded within 48 hours earlier this week, including an attack on Wollongong musician Andre de Ruyter at Manly Beach. In response, lifesaving organizations have expanded drone patrols across New South Wales coastal areas.
Road Safety Campaign
NSW Police have launched a statewide traffic operation for the long weekend, running from Friday, January 23 through Monday, January 26. Double demerit points will apply for several offences including:
- Speeding violations
- Mobile phone use while driving
- Seatbelt non-compliance
- Motorcycle helmet offences
Emergency services remind all Australians to exercise caution whether traveling on roads, participating in water activities, or exploring bushland during the holiday period.
