It’s a popular swimming spot for Highlanders during the hot summer months, but authorities have warned people to take care at Tahmoor’s Mermaid Pools.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police have urged to be careful at the famous pools after two separate incidents over the weekend.
About 1pm on Saturday, January 27, emergency services were called to the rock pools after a girl jumped from a rock ledge into the water, injuring her back. The ledge was about 10m high.
The 17-year-old girl was assisted from the water and a significant emergency response was initiated.
Police from Camden Local Area Command, NSW Ambulance and Fire & Rescue NSW attended.
The girl was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being winched out by helicopter and flown to Liverpool Hospital for treatment.
In a separate incident, about 2.30pm on Sunday, January 28, a woman jumped from a rock ledge located about 20m above the water.
Upon impact, the woman sustained an injury to her lower back. She was assisted to the side of the pool by other swimmers and emergency services were contacted.
Police, with assistance from NSW Ambulance, and Fire & Rescue NSW, attended the scene and a rescue helicopter was requested.
After initial treatment, the 25-year-old woman was also extracted by helicopter and flown to Liverpool Hospital for treatment.
A tourist was also injured at Mermaids Pool on Saturday, December 30, 2017, prompting a large response from emergency services.
In December 2016, a Pakistani student died at the Pools after he jumped from the rock ledge.
In the same month, a Canadian backpacker was injured at the site and made a paraplegic.
Police are concerned by the number of swimmers who have been injured after swimming at the pools despite the warnings and sign posts advising of the dangers of diving from rock ledges.
A number of visitors have also illegally trespassed across private property to gain access to the pools, and police have warned people that the appropriate action will be taken if the behaviour continues.
Emergency services have suggested swimmers visit safer spots like Thirlmere Lakes and Pot Holes reserve.