KNYSNA NEWS - Following a series of rescues along the Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail in Plettenberg Bay, authorities have warned visitors to follow several safety precautions when taking on the challenging route.
The most recent incident happened on 12 August, when four Spanish tourists had to be escorted back to safety after they were still walking past reserve closing times.
On 19 July, a 53-year-old French holidaymaker fell and sustained fractures while hiking the trail.
On 14 June two elderly British tourists were rescued after wandering off the trail and ended up on the route after dark.
Before this, there had been several other incidents over the past few years during which hikers suffered minor to serious injuries.
CapeNature spokesperson Blance de Vries said most incidents are as a result of hikers overestimating their own physical abilities. Other reasons include not following the route markers and maps, taking shortcuts, doing activities with a high risk factor despite not having medical assistance nearby (including sandboarding at Witsand), not wearing the appropriate clothing and not providing for water or food.
De Vries said several steps had been taken to deal with emergencies and to minimise the risks.
"Recently, there have been a few rescues that the NSRI attended to at Robberg. The NSRI assisted in these rescues as it is much easier and faster to transport an injured person from Robberg via the sea," De Vries said.
Metro rescue services, the NSRI, Mountain Rescue and CapeNature have annual meetings and combine rescue exercises to improve the reaction time.
"To assist the public we have erected 'You are now here' signs at all the strategic points on the reserve, coupled with emergency phone numbers. The NSRI added numbers in red lettering to assist with the location of the emergency. Visitors are issued with a map and directions at the gate."
De Vries said safety has been improved with cement steps, boardwalks, balustrades and rerouting.
About 78 000 people walk the trail every year.
De Vries suggested that visitors familiarise themselves with the terrain before taking on the trail.
In case of an emergency contact Plett NSRI on 082 990 5975.
Read previous articles here:
• 4 Spanish hikers rescued on Robberg trail
• Tourist recovering after hiking accident
• Lifeguards save man at Robberg
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