Bushwalking family rescued after night outdoors

A family of bushwalkers have been rescued after spending the night outdoors with emergency services personnel at Patonga.

The family of two adults and three children, aged 12, 15 and 17, contacted emergency services at about 6:15pm on September 1 after becoming stranded on an afternoon bushwalk.

Police have been told the path the group walked along the beach was inaccessible upon returning due to the tide rising.

This stranded them atop a cliff with no inland access, in fading light and with limited provisions.

A joint search operation was coordinated involving officers from Brisbane Water Police District, Marine Area Command, PolAir, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire Service and the NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter.

Once the group was located by PolAir, two Fire and Rescue NSW officers and two NSW Ambulance paramedics made their way through dense bushland to access the group and provided resources for the overnight stay.

The family walked to the Patonga boat ramp with the assistance of emergency services personnel at about 8:30am on September 2.

The North Ryde family was then checked over by NSW Ambulance paramedics with no health concerns raised, before being taken back to their vehicle.

Brisbane Water Police District's Chief Inspector Rodney Peet has praised the combined efforts of emergency services and urged caution for anyone planning to bushwalk as the weather warms.

"The safe resolution of the overnight operation is testament to the efforts of all emergency personnel involved," he said.

"This is a timely reminder to all those who enjoy the outdoors to plan your trip and know your surroundings before travelling.

"Weather and ocean conditions can change rapidly.

"Make sure your route is safe and will remain safe throughout your trip," he said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 2 Sep 2019

Samantha Long, NSW Police Force