DOC warns against walking on frozen alpine lake in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

[ad_1]

Visitors risk their lives by walking on the Hooker Lake and climbing on an iceberg in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park earlier this week.

Mountain Research Centre Otago University/SUPPLIED

Visitors risk their lives by walking on the Hooker Lake and climbing on an iceberg in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park earlier this week.

Tourists are again risking their lives by walking on the frozen-over Hooker Lake and climbing onto icebergs in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Sally Jones, DOC’s Aoraki/Mt Cook operations manager, said on Thursday they were surprised to see photos of tourists ignoring the warning signs.

“Groups have been seen on the lake on a webcam on Monday and Tuesday,” Jones said.

It was not the first time DOC had highlighted concerns about people taking risks on the lake, with Jones warning visitors of similar dangers as recently as 2020.

“People should stay off Hooker Lake and other alpine lakes when they are frozen over, as the ice can be thin and could give way at any time.”

Jones said visitors were putting their lives at risk by walking on the ice.

“If it did give way, they could drown or develop hypothermia in the extremely cold water.

“Variable temperatures at this time of year means conditions are changing quickly.

“Hooker Lake is a long way from any help and if something did happen, by the time rescuers arrived it might be too late.”

The Department of Conservation's sign warns visitors of the multiple hazards in the Hooker Lake area.

Department of Conservation/SUPPLIED

The Department of Conservation’s sign warns visitors of the multiple hazards in the Hooker Lake area.

Jones also warned that when the lake isn’t frozen, people should stay out of the cold water, which was typically about three degrees.

“They should also stay off any icebergs in the lake as these are unstable and can tip unexpectedly.

“Someone recently needed to be rescued from an iceberg on nearby Tasman Lake. They not only risked their own life but also put rescuers at risk.”

In 2020, Jones said “experienced climbers are trained to rescue themselves if they fall through ice, but the general public won’t have the right skills to undertake a successful self-rescue.”

Visitors to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park risk their lives by walking on Hooker Lake in 2020.

supplied

Visitors to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park risk their lives by walking on Hooker Lake in 2020.

Jones said on Thursday that the national park is spectacular at this time of year, and “we want suitably prepared visitors to come and enjoy this special part of Aotearoa”.

“We’re asking they take a minute to think and make good choices for their safety in the outdoors.”

Jones advised anyone heading out at this time of year should check the weather and conditions and visit the DOC website to check for any track updates before they leave.

“If heading out, take plenty of warm and waterproof clothing and food, and assess whether they have the skills to be out in the conditions for the trip they plan to make.

“If in any doubt, don’t go out – the park will still be there when the conditions improve.”

Supplied

People ventured out onto the ice when Hooker Lake froze, despite DOC’s advice against it. Video first published July 2020.

[ad_2]

Leave a Comment