Paramedics have spent the night in the Royal National Park in aid of two people injured at Figure Eight Pools.
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A large wave threw the couple onto the treacherous rock shelf Sunday afternoon, causing minor cuts to their arms and legs. The Mercury understands one of the pair deemed their injuries too serious to make the return journey – a steep and rocky ascent that can take up to three hours.
The injured duo made a triple-zero call about 8pm. NSW Ambulance paramedics met them at Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club – about a kilometre from the pools –about 9.30pm.
“Paramedics determined the best clinical course of action was to remain in the National Park until daylight,” a NSW Ambulance spokesman said, on Monday.
“Minor pain relief was administered to both patients and both were accompanied out of the Royal National Park by paramedics at around 7am.”
Visitors to the pools must cross a kilometre of jagged, slippery rock shelf that becomes inundated at high tide and when surf conditions are rough.
Its spiking popularity – fuelled by social media – is proving a headache for authorities.
Burning Palms surf club president Peter Pearce said the couple was among several people injured on Sunday.
“I spent 30 years at Burning Palms and I don't know why they’re so attracted by two small pools called ‘the figure eight’,” he said.
“They turn their backs to surf and get their camera sticks out.
“It’s like they’re obsessed by it.”
Mr Pearce said a woman broke her wrist after being knocked off her feet on the rock shelf on Sunday. She declined to be airlifted out, instead walking out with a splint.
Numerous others left the site covered in scratches.
The couple did not require treatment. It is unclear why they remained in the park at nightfall and why they dialled triple-zero.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service recently installed new signage, warning of the hazards associated with the pools.
Visits to the attraction skyrocketed from late 2015, after pictures were widely circulated on social media.
Recent posts to Instagram suggest the crashing waves have become part of the appeal for thrillseekers.