Rangers are pleading with parks visitors to make sensible decisions during the holidays, amid reports some are risking their lives for the sake of social media.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has urged people to take care in recreation areas, national parks and state forests, with emergency services called to serious incidents at Cooloola, K’gari, Bribie Island and the Glass House Mountains within the past month.
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Rangers said the dynamic landscapes in Queensland could present hazards and irresponsible behaviour could lead to tragic consequences.
Rangers, who form part of the first response to many emergencies in protected areas, urged people to be aware of their surroundings and their actions.
Research from the University of New South Wales showed selfie-related injuries had become a public health concern, especially within some of Queensland’s most popular areas.
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Rangers say they continue to see people unlawfully entering restricted access areas and driving dangerously, risking spinal injuries, broken bones and loss of life.
Principal ranger Omar Bakhach said he had witnessed dangerous behaviour, and the consequences, at protected areas across the state.
He said avoidable tragedies took a toll on rangers, emergency services personnel and the families of loved ones.
“Our protected areas are globally recognised as some of the best outdoor spaces in the world, but there are risks associated with these areas including changing tides, unstable surfaces and rapidly changing waterways,” he said.
“The recent incidents are a harrowing reminder of what can happen, and have long-lasting impacts on those involved, our rangers and the emergency responders.
“Make sure your time in nature, on our parks, doesn’t come at a cost this summer. Your safety is our concern, but your responsibility.”
UNSW School of Population Health researcher Samuel Cornell said Queensland was a hotspot for selfie-related injuries and dangerous behaviour.
“Queensland is home to some of the most frequently accessed hazardous areas in Australia, some of which are in QPWS-managed parks,” he said.
“The key thing to remember is that what you see on social media is not reality, and influencers shouldn’t be relied upon for safety information.
“Influencers aren’t there to inform or guide the public, they’re there to generate views and entertain. Just because they survived their selfie doesn’t mean you will.”
Mr Cornell said the best places to go for safety information are the authorities that manage public areas, such as QPWS.
Ranger Bakhach said QPWS installed plenty of signage, and rangers carry out patrols, but they continue to see people taking unnecessary risks and threatening their lives.
“We know social media will be steering a lot of visitation to our parks this summer,” he said.
“Influencers and travellers remind us of all the picture-perfect places to see and capture memories throughout our parks, but it’s important to remember that picture-perfect can change in a flash,” he said.
“Every one of those photos you see online of people in a hazardous area was taken at a risk to themselves, those around them and us. It’s never worth it, and you might not be so lucky.
“Just because you’re on holidays doesn’t mean the law, or the laws of physics, don’t apply. It’s a matter of using common sense, following the rules and listening to directions.”
Aside from the physical risk of injury, the behaviours can also put offenders’ back pockets at risk.
Since the start of the year until early December, QPWS has issued 28 fines for entering restricted access areas and seven fines for interfering with the safety of a person or others in a national park.
QPWS has also issued fines for a range of motor vehicle offences, including 32 for failure to properly wear a seatbelt in a motor vehicle or driving with unrestrained passengers, and 86 for driving without due care and attention.
Visitors can expect to see rangers in any park at any time, and can be directed to leave a protected area by rangers. Visitors should check Park Alerts and be mindful of changing weather conditions.
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