BARELY a day after new signage was erected in locations across the Grampians National Park warning people about the dangers of strenuous exercise in hot weather, emergency services crews were called to assist an elderly man who collapsed at MacKenzie Falls.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Temperatures in the Grampians reached as high as 37.6 degrees on Saturday as a heatwave rolled across the state.
Stawell and Horsham State Emergency Service units were quick to provide assistance to the man, who suffered no serious injuries.
A new campaign called Survive the Heat was launched in the Grampians on Friday, to help better prepare community members and tourists hiking in the national park.
State Emergency Service Grampians operations manager Dr Kendra Clegg said the campaign was a great way to get the message out about the requirements a person needed for walking in the national park.
“In the warmer months we get a lot of tourism in the area so I think this is a good way to get more emphasis out for how people need to prepare,” she said.
“When they come out on a hot day they really should be drinking lots of water, not just little sips.
“Some people aren’t aware of what the weather can do to the body. They may be very fit but the heat makes it that much harder.”
In the warmer months, bushwalkers are urged to carry sufficient amounts of water to guarantee they do not become dehydrated.
Dr Clegg said the recommended amount of water depended on the individual, but if people were planning a walk in the bush, they needed to make sure they erred on the side of caution.
She said the new signs displayed across the national park were obvious enough.
“We just ask everyone to be prepared before they go for a walk on hot days,” she said.
“Always be informed, know the conditions, bring plenty of water and look out for one another. The State Emergency Service wants everyone in the Wimmera to stay safe in the summer.”
