New safety measures to deter tourists risking death for Diamond Bay selfies

Despite a raft of permanent safety measures in the wake of the tragic death of a young woman who fell from the cliffs at Diamond Bay last month, a tourist has been spotted risking his life for a dangerous picturesque snap in the eastern suburbs.

• Air quality monitor goes online in CBD
• Teens charged with attempted murder after suburban stabbing

Thrillseekers are still attempting to score risky selfies at Diamond Bay Reserve, despite last month’s tragic death of a young woman attempting to take a photo along the cliffs and Waverley Council’s increased safety measures at the tourist hotspot.

Council workers last week installed a permanent balustrade and signage along the cliff-edge and have began an awareness campaign, speaking with photographers to deter commercial photography in dangerous spots along the reserve in Vaucluse.

Over the weekend, a video emerged of a man climbing the newly installed barriers, walking perilously close to the edge with nothing but a 40 metre drop below him.

“Council is concerned that despite the recent tragedy and the warnings and barriers in place, people continue to try to access the cliff edge for photos,” a Waverley Council spokeswoman said.

One person has already been spotted climbing the new fencing. Picture: Supplied

A horrified local watched on as the incident took place last week. Picture: Supplied

“Council urges all visitors to Diamond Bay to keep away from the cliff edge and avoid taking risks.”

Last month, councillors agreed to a raft of measures including messaging on WeChat and Weibo to halt the risky trend.

A 27-year-old Sydney woman died on August 17 after falling from the cliffs, with witnesses reporting to police she was having her photo taken before slipping in front of her horrified friends.

Rock climbers in the area at the time were the first to rush to her aid and perform CPR.

Her death has been reported to NSW State Coroner.

Hours after the woman’s death last month people continued to climb the cliffs. Picture by Damian Shaw

Emergency services arrive at the scene at Diamond Bay, Vaucluse where the young woman died. Picture: Supplied.

Within an hour after her body was retrieved from the rocks below, tourists were still lining the cliff edge and jumping barriers to get the perfect snap.

However, temporary fencing appeared to have all but stopped those flooding the reserve in recent weeks.

Locals in the exclusive suburb had raised the alarm in April of this year, warning council that scores of people had descended on the once quiet dog walking route and were risking their lives to score likes on social media.

Councillors had agreed to prioritise a report on cliffs in the eastern suburbs, with Diamond Bay to take priority.

“Council officers are putting together a brief to engage a consultant to undertake an independent risk review of our coastal reserves on Diamond Bay,” the council spokeswoman said.

News tips? Email: [e-mail]