With summer holidays and hot weather on the horizon, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is reminding visitors that there is no access to the base of Illawarra's Gerringong and Belmore Falls.
National Parks and Wildlife Service Area Manager Graham Bush said a recent surge in illegal access, fuelled by social media, is not only dangerous but can be a matter of life or death.
'There is no bushwalking access to the base of Belmore and Gerringong Falls,' Mr Bush said.
'These areas are dangerous and there is a high risk of injury or death from unstable rock faces, dangerous cliff edges and slippery surfaces.
'The hazards are very real to both the public and emergency service workers who risk their lives responding to people who have slipped, sadly often fatally.
'Signs warning of the dangers and prohibiting access are installed at both waterfalls.However, visitors continue to walk past and ignore these warnings and attempt to access the base of the falls.
'Those wanting to cool down this summer are best to head to a patrolled beach or other nearby waterways such as the Shoalhaven River.
'Visitors can still walk to the top of the falls and take in the spectacular views, but we don't want one more person to lose their life for the sake of a selfie,' Mr Bush said.
NSW Police and National Parks and Wildlife Service will be carrying out patrols in the Belmore and Gerringong Falls areas, and infringements will be issued to those who enter restricted areas.
Visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service Water safety webpage
