Tread lightly at Robberg
PLETTENBERG BAY - The Robberg Nature Reserve is not for beginners! This is the warning sent out by NSRI station 14, Plettenberg Bay, in the wake of several concerning incidents on this walking route.
"NSRI, the emergency services and CapeNature are urgently appealing to day walkers and hikers who may be planning to hike the Plettenberg Bay Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail, to be fully prepared for a gruelling hike that too often catches hikers and day walkers off guard," said Ross Badenhorst, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty coxswain.
He said there has been a significant increase in emergency response incidents along this hiking trail.
"Day walkers, perhaps thinking that the Robberg hiking trail is an easy hike and may be a gentle walk, are often surprised at just how gruelling this hiking trail can be," warns Badenhorst. "Even the shorter walk that cuts through the sand dunes and almost halves the hiking distance, is still, without a doubt, a gruelling day hike."
He advises walkers to carry sufficient water, hydration, food and supplements. Wear proper sealed running, hiking, walking, or trainer shoes. Wear a hat, preferably long-sleeved clothing, and a fully charged cellphone for communication. Wear sunscreen.
On Monday 25 March, at 13:37, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated at the request of WC Government Health EMS Metro Control to assist at the hiking trail where a female, suffering reported heat stroke, required medical assistance.
Reaching the Point at Robberg from the sea was not possible due to heavy sea swells during the full moon spring tide high tide – although two NSRI Plettenberg Bay rescue craft were prepared to launch if required.
CapeNature rangers, WC Government Health EMS, the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter and NSRI rescue crew responded.
The NSRI crew, carrying medical equipment, jogged to the patient, a 44-yearold woman from Cape Town who was hiking with family when she suffered heat stroke. Her condition was further complicated by a medical condition.
The hikers were at the Wild Side of Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail, about four hours' hike from the Robberg car park, when they raised the alarm requesting medical care.
NSRI medics initiated medical treatment and were joined by CapeNature rangers.
The EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, on arrival on the scene, deployed a rescue technician who elevated medical care to the patient. She was secured into a specialised stretcher and airlifted to a landing zone at a local farmer's property, from where she was transferred into an EMS ambulance and transported to hospital in a stable condition.
The farmer who availed his land is commended for his cooperation.
Hikers running into trouble on the Robberg Hike is not uncommon and this walk should not be undertaken lightly.