Social media’s perilous obsession with Sydney’s Figure 8 Pools
A high-risk fascination with Sydney’s mysterious Figure 8 Pools appears to have claimed a victim with authorities scaling back their search for a missing student swept off rocks near the infamous landmark.
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Authorities have scaled back their search for a missing Nepalese student who was swept off rocks near Sydney’s infamous Figure 8 Pools.
The 22-year-old disappeared into the water in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, on Monday afternoon and hasn’t been seen since.
NSW Police resumed their search for the young man on Wednesday morning, but without the assistance of divers or helicopters.
Local officers and the Marine Command will continue to comb the area by foot and boat.
One of the man’s friends was also swept into the water but managed to climb to safety on a rock shelf. He was treated for minor lacerations at the scene. Three others with the pair escaped uninjured.
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The swimming spot is so dangerous during high tide the State Government implemented an online warning system that helps prospective visitors determine the level of risk on any given day.
At the time of the incident, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s wave risk at the pools was listed as ‘extreme’. Under these conditions, NPWS urges people not to visit the pools.
The Wave Risk Rating at Figure 8 Pools was categorised as extreme at the time the men were swept into the water.
Do not visit. You can’t see Figure 8 Pools because it’s underwater. Waves are washing over the whole rock shelf,” the site’s warning read.
“If you’re in the rock pools you’ll be trapped and thrown against the rocks, before being washed out of the pools and dragged across the rock shelf.
“If you’re standing on the rock shelf you’ll be knocked over by waves and dragged across it. You could also be washed into the ocean.You’ll risk severe injuries, including broken bones and head injuries,” the site warned.
The pools have in past years become some of the trendiest tourist spots for visitors but social media’s obsession with the mysterious pools has been blamed for putting hundreds of lives at risk.
Hundreds of people have been injured, many seriously, after powerful waves smash into the pools.
In 2016, emergency services were called to the coastal spot after 150 people standing on the rocks were hit by powerful waves, knocking some over the edge of the ledge.
The once quiet site gained enormous popularity after visitors began posting photos of its naturally formed pools on social media.
Like fellow Royal National Park attraction Wedding Cake Rock, Figure 8 Pools has become a fashionable but risky spot to visit and share photos of.
Social media brings a whole new demographic to the Royal National Park with young people and international visitors, but they need to understand the safety concerns for the site, the NPWS said.
It posted this advice for sightseers.
■Access to Figure 8 Pools is only possible at low tide. The rockpools and the last kilometre leading to them are under water at high tide.
■Even at low tide, waves can crash across the pools. Check the tide height and wave size before making your way to the rockpools.
■Never turn your back on the ocean
■The rock platform surface is covered in slippery lichens and seaweed, so remember to wear sturdy shoes.
■There are a few other deep rockpools in this location which you can swim or dip your feet in at low tide
■Be prepared for a difficult walk. The walk back to Garrawarra Farm is up a steep track that climbs up the coastal escarpment. Please leave extra time for your return journey.
■There’s no lifeguard service at the pools
■You won’t pass any toilets or places to eat on the way. Bring plenty of water and food for the day.
It has been a horror summer for drowning with 105 dying around Australia.
In NSW 37 people have died this summer.
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