THE Mystery Bay primitive campground is a magnificent and much wooded 50-acre site on the South Coast of NSW with the ocean to the east and north.
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Campers had managed to attach two very thick ropes high up on trees in the grounds – no mean feat in itself.
As they were attached to heavy limbs, the caretakers and Eurobodalla Shire Council agreed that these posed a real safety risk and had to come down.
A large limb crashing down on a visitor would do nothing for their well-being or the campground’s insurance. But how was the question?
Council foresaw safety issues in getting the ropes down, so it suggested the Rural Fire Service.
The RFS told the caretakers that they had similar safety concerns but suggested the Volunteer Rescue Association may best be able to help.
So the final hope was the VRA in Narooma and contact was made with the captain who promptly went out to the campground to determine the extent of the undertaking.
The VRA rescue squad is more use to “vertical rescue” work – abseiling down cliff faces and conducting motor vehicle accident rescues.
Trees are not usually their thing.
After taking a few photos the caretakers were informed that VRA could remove the offending ropes as part of a training exercise.
The members agreed and the time was set for August 12 at 5PM.
You may ask why 5pm when it was getting dark in the woods.
You just have to remember that they are all volunteers with day jobs and families.
The members arrived complete with their rescue truck and dressed in their uniforms prepared to go into action.
It was impressive and very professional, by all accounts.
Ropes and pulleys were used to haul up first one squad members and then another to be suspended high off the ground next to the thick rope with a sharp knife.
The team all had a role to play in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their colleagues.
From the squad’s perspective it was a great lesson in teamwork, and the team was organised and very competent. Job well done guys!
The VRA Narooma rescue squad is always in need of members and anyone interested can find out more at one of the regular training nights at the base on the Narooma Headland behind Marine Rescue.