If you get lost

• Stop and think. Stay calm.

• Recheck your navigation and maps

• Re tracing your steps a short distance may assist. Locate your last known point if possible.

• Gaining some height may assist in orientation and communications

If above does not help STAY WHERE YOU ARE.

• Shelter. Find or make shelter to stay warm and dry.

• Call for help. Use  communication devices you have with you; e.g. radios, mobile phones, satellite phones, SPOTs etc.  

  1. Call your designated Contact People

  2. Call 000 and ask for Police [more information]

• Activate your PLB. If other communications are not possible and there is a threat of grave and imminent danger, activate your Distress Beacon (PLB or EPIRB) if you have one.

• Make your position visible to searchers on land and in the air; e.g. leave bright clothing or equipment in an open area that can be seen.

• Light a small fire if you have the means and it is safe to do so.  Burning green leaves will create more smoke.

• Stay together. If you are in a group stay together, do not separate.

• Stay warm and dry. It can take a considerable time for rescuers to reach you so your priority is to remain warm and dry.

• Ration your food and water if necessary.  Source local water if possible and it is safe to do so.

• Wait for rescue and listen for searchers. Listen for aircraft, vehicles, voices, shouts, radios

• Give distress signals. Use three consecutive signals (e.g. shouts, whistles, torch flashes, mirror flashes, waving bright items)

For more information see If you are lost, Bushwalking Manual