‘I couldn’t feel my legs’: Bushwalker’s terrifying ordeal sparks urgent warning

A routine Sunday stroll took a terrifying turn for one experienced hiker, leaving him stranded in the bush and questioning if he would ever walk again.

Despite knowing the trail and being close to homes, he was injured, hidden, and struggling to be found.

What ultimately saved him was an unexpected detail, and now he’s urging fellow bushwalkers to take one crucial precaution before heading out.


An experienced hiker has urged fellow bushwalkers to take one essential item on their journeys after a routine walk near his Sydney home turned into a life-threatening ordeal.

Robert Lang, who enjoys escaping the city's chaos by trekking through the bush, had walked the Lover’s Jump trail in Turramurra countless times.

But one recent Sunday, after heavy rainfall, his familiar route became treacherous.


compressed-image2.jpeg
Hiker’s routine walk turns into a nightmare. Image source: Robert Lang


‘I walk this trail every Sunday morning... there had been a lot of rain this day, and I could hear the rush of water below as I was walking above the creek...I sort of pushed through the bushes to see it, and as I was going down the slope, I guess because of the fresh rain, the ground gave way,’ he recalled.

Lang lost his footing, tumbling down the hill before plunging into the creek below.

‘I ended up sliding and rolling down the hill and fell into the creek fully submerged. My hip took most of the brunt, but I couldn’t feel my legs.’

Alone and unable to stand, Lang managed to drag himself from the water using only his arms.

He used his smartwatch to alert his wife and emergency services, but rescuers struggled to find him.

For nearly an hour, he lay injured in the bush, hidden from view despite being close to residential homes.


Even with his wife knowing his usual route, his smartwatch’s location signal wasn’t coming through.

By sheer luck, he had chosen to wear a bright yellow waterproof jacket that day—a decision that ultimately saved him.

‘Then I could hear someone shouting, and so I shouted back. Within a minute or two suddenly someone was grabbing my hand and telling me that they had me and I was safe,’ Lang said.

‘It’s indescribable to have someone say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” Just the sheer humanity of it makes me choke up now.’

As he was being pulled from the rushing water, he slowly regained sensation in his leg.


Doctors later explained that the impact of the fall had likely shocked a nerve, causing temporary paralysis.

Fortunately, Lang made a full recovery and can walk again without any lasting effects.

Reflecting on the ordeal, he admitted there were things he could have done differently to improve his chances of being rescued sooner.

‘Think about how you’re going to be located if there is an incident,’ he warned.

He recommended taking a personal locator beacon (PLB), staying on the trail, avoiding solo hikes, informing someone of travel plans, and wearing bright clothing.

‘Making sure you have a way to make yourself visible.’


Lang now carries a PLB whenever he ventures into the bush and hopes others will do the same to avoid the terrifying uncertainty he experienced.


compressed-image1.jpeg
Hiker urges others to carry a PLB. Image source: Robert Lang




In a previous story, another unsettling incident in Australia’s national parks left hikers shocked and outraged.

The disturbing discovery has raised serious concerns about safety and preservation in these wilderness areas.

Read more about what was found and why it’s sparking debate.

Key Takeaways

  • A routine hike turned dangerous for Robert Lang when he lost his footing on a rain-soaked slope, tumbling into a creek and temporarily losing feeling in his legs.
  • Stranded and hidden from view, he used his smartwatch to call for help, but rescuers struggled to locate him until they spotted his bright yellow jacket.
  • After nearly an hour, emergency crews found him, and he slowly regained sensation in his leg, later making a full recovery.
  • Lang now urges hikers to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB), wear bright clothing, stay on marked trails, and inform someone of their route before heading out.

Have you ever found yourself in a tricky situation while hiking?

Let us know your experience in the comments.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
I walk quite a lot, every day, with my pooch. However, now reaching mid 60's. So yeah I do take a couple of precautions. However, I would really like to know what brand of smart watch he uses, and where can I purchase a Personal Locator Beacon.
Kudos to the man. It could have been worse.
 
The least consistent bush hikers should have is a couple of full boxes of matches kept in a zip lock typed plastic bag. If they somehow become disorientated & lost, they could possibly start a fire with a spiral of smoke to help searchers locate them. This is especially if a search has instigated a chopper to assist.
This is also, as mentioned, wearing some high visual bright coloured clothing as well.
 
Re my comment, another thing that completely shits me off, is, always reading about some complete dimwit getting lost & the high costing factor involving police , emergency services, ambo's & countless others having to try & locate them from their own stupidity of unpreparedness.
I reckon that if they have to have a search for them because of their own actions, they should pay for their rescue.
That'd certainly make themselves to be more cautious & proactive for their own good.
 
Hello, everyone! According to the source, Mr Lang was using an Apple watch.

As for the PLB, here's the website of the manufacturer: https://www.gme.net.au/au/emergency-safety/mt610g/
One review mentioned that it was waterproof, but it may be best to check the product details to be sure.

They also had a Store Locator here where you can purchase their product: https://www.gme.net.au/au/find-a-dealer/?emergency-safety

A quick internet search also showed other options like BCF Australia or Amazon, but please check the reviews first :)
 
Re my comment, another thing that completely shits me off, is, always reading about some complete dimwit getting lost & the high costing factor involving police , emergency services, ambo's & countless others having to try & locate them from their own stupidity of unpreparedness.
I reckon that if they have to have a search for them because of their own actions, they should pay for their rescue.
That'd certainly make themselves to be more cautious & proactive for their own good.
Mmmmm, sounds a bit harsh, I do understand what you are saying. Will it include idiots who drive and need rescuing from an accident or fly and need rescuing from an incident. What about sportsmen/women who need assistance with injuries. My Grandson is epileptic and had a fall in a park and needed to be airlifted to hospital. Perhaps he should have stayed home and sat on his lounge forever. Not sure, but be careful what you wish for.
 
Re my comment, another thing that completely shits me off, is, always reading about some complete dimwit getting lost & the high costing factor involving police , emergency services, ambo's & countless others having to try & locate them from their own stupidity of unpreparedness.
I reckon that if they have to have a search for them because of their own actions, they should pay for their rescue.
That'd certainly make themselves to be more cautious & proactive for their own good.
Anyone remember that dickhead Pommie businessman, Tony Bullimore, who was rescued by Australian resources from the Southern Ocean in 1997?

That cost the Australian taxpayer nearly $7 million in Australian Navy resources and manpower. Bullimore subsequently sold his story and published a book about his "ordeal" and reaped in over £1 million for his efforts. He didn't compensate the Australian Government ONE CENT!

If it was my call, I would have given him the keys to Davy Jones' Locker!!
 
Anyone remember that dickhead Pommie businessman, Tony Bullimore, who was rescued by Australian resources from the Southern Ocean in 1997?

That cost the Australian taxpayer nearly $7 million in Australian Navy resources and manpower. Bullimore subsequently sold his story and published a book about his "ordeal" and reaped in over £1 million for his efforts. He didn't compensate the Australian Government ONE CENT!

If it was my call, I would have given him the keys to Davy Jones' Locker!!
Granted that is a lot of money, but who do we charge and who gets rescued for free. If we all start getting charged no one will go out and do anything. Maybe we need personal accident insurance.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Macarj and Dynamo
Granted that is a lot of money, but who do we charge and who gets rescued for free. If we all start getting charged no one will go out and do anything. Maybe we need personal accident insurance.
Getting insurance for very high risk activities is practically impossible. Such undertakings include jockeys, motor sports drivers, boxers AND solo yatchsmen.

Most insurances for high risk activities are conducted "in house" by the sporting or associated body concerned. I know this is the case with Rugby League players through the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).
 
Anyone remember that dickhead Pommie businessman, Tony Bullimore, who was rescued by Australian resources from the Southern Ocean in 1997?

That cost the Australian taxpayer nearly $7 million in Australian Navy resources and manpower. Bullimore subsequently sold his story and published a book about his "ordeal" and reaped in over £1 million for his efforts. He didn't compensate the Australian Government ONE CENT!

If it was my call, I would have given him the keys to Davy Jones' Locker!!
Since Tony Bullimore was a successful businessman, you’d think he could have offered some monetary compensation to the Australian Government. He wasn’t an Australian citizen, so his contribution to the country who saved him would’ve been nothing.
 
Anyone remember that dickhead Pommie businessman, Tony Bullimore, who was rescued by Australian resources from the Southern Ocean in 1997?

That cost the Australian taxpayer nearly $7 million in Australian Navy resources and manpower. Bullimore subsequently sold his story and published a book about his "ordeal" and reaped in over £1 million for his efforts. He didn't compensate the Australian Government ONE CENT!

If it was my call, I would have given him the keys to Davy Jones' Locker!!
I remember that cockhead, what a shitehawk.
 
Anyone remember that dickhead Pommie businessman, Tony Bullimore, who was rescued by Australian resources from the Southern Ocean in 1997?

That cost the Australian taxpayer nearly $7 million in Australian Navy resources and manpower. Bullimore subsequently sold his story and published a book about his "ordeal" and reaped in over £1 million for his efforts. He didn't compensate the Australian Government ONE CENT!

If it was my call, I would have given him the keys to Davy Jones' Locker!!
And the french woman/sailor Isabelle Whoever. They return and again need rescuing. International law says we must rescue them at our own cost. Is this 'bailing out'?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch
Hello, everyone! According to the source, Mr Lang was using an Apple watch.

As for the PLB, here's the website of the manufacturer: https://www.gme.net.au/au/emergency-safety/mt610g/
One review mentioned that it was waterproof, but it may be best to check the product details to be sure.

They also had a Store Locator here where you can purchase their product: https://www.gme.net.au/au/find-a-dealer/?emergency-safety

A quick internet search also showed other options like BCF Australia or Amazon, but please check the reviews first :)
I refuse to use any Apple products.
 
I have no problem with people walking ,cycling etc close to home or well known tracks to scenic places . I can recall person going walking along path way along side of river in north east Tasmania and they couldn’t find her think everyone in the small town spent weeks looking . Person walking fer weeks later found the body about 6 feet on incline in bushes next to track unknown number walked past every day .No smart watches etc then It’s the idiots whom disregard the barriers in place and climb out over the rails for a better view and photos and then fall ??? metres down on to rocks and the seas are to rough to get a boat in . Then rescuers have to risk their lives to scale down and winch them up . Lived near neighbour whose daughter died climbing over barrier and fell on to rocks. Also the ones whom venture up the mountains in the snow past sign that say closed no entry ,rescuers spend days looking for them . I can recall numbers of these incidents in Tasmania. Remember the Sydney to Hobart Yaught race when they had all the cyclonic winds and 6 crew drowned . Those BRAVE men being winched down from the helicopters on to the boats and being hauled back up again .would like to see totals of these costs .These IDIOTS that cause this should PAY big time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×