Extra signage will be installed at Belmore Falls after a significant increase in the number of vertical rescues at the location.
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In the year from December 2015 to December 2016 there were three rescues undertaken at the Falls.
However the same number of rescues has already taken place in just the last four months.
Emergency services have issued a safety warning to those visiting the iconic falls in Robertson.
A quick scroll through social media shows Belmore Falls is a popular place to visit for both locals and tourists.
The photos also show people have put themselves into dangerous situations trying to snap the perfect shot.
NSW SES Wingecarribee Unit media coordinator Carly Miller said a photo for social media “isn’t worth your life.”
“A photo on the edge of the cliff isn’t worth falling several metres for,” she said.
Ms Miller said that bush walking was all about safety.
“Use your common sense,” she said.
“Don’t climb fences, keep to the official tracks and watch out for slippery areas.”
Many bush walkers trek down to the base of the Falls, however the path to get there is not a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) track.
A NPWS spokesperson said the track to the bottom of the falls was not a designated pathway and walkers were taking risks by disregarding safety structures.
“NPWS is aware that some walkers are venturing onto this unofficial trail to access the bottom of the waterfall by climbing over a safety fence,” the spokesperson said.
“This is putting their lives and the lives of emergency services workers at risk by descending steep and unstable surfaces.”
A NPWS spokesperson said signage would be strengthened as a safety precaution.
“As safety is a priority for NPWS we will be strengthening signage to highlight the risk of climbing over the fence onto an unauthorised track.”
“Natural rugged escarpment areas like Belmore Falls can be dangerous by their very nature and unpredictable. NPWS urges people to take care at all times and keep to formed paths and designated visitor areas.”
Bowral Police Inspector John Klepczarek said that people needed to do more research before undertaking hikes through any of the Highlands falls.
“Check the national parks website and find out more about the track you’ll be walking before you get there,: he said.
“It’s all about being well-prepared.”
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
