National Parks and Wildlife Service.

It gives walkers a free loan of a personal locator beacon, which they hold and can activate in an emergency so that search and rescue squads can find them more quickly.

Some have a GPS that can pinpoint a location within

a five-kilometre radius.

Late last year Benbro Electronics donated 20 GPS beacons to the National Parks and Wildlife Services' Blue Mountains Heritage Centre at Blackheath and, for after-hours use, to Katoomba and Springwood police stations.

These are on loan at no cost when walkers leave their full details about their trips.

Since the launch the beacons have been borrowed 201 times. ``Mostly they have been used by walking groups going on remote day trips or overnight hikes,'' Sergeant Colless said.

St Clair bushwalking guide Yvonne Hardiman also stresses the importance of bushwalking preparation and safety.

She has been a guide for the Nepean Blue Mountains University of the Third Age weekly ``Walking with a touch of history'' group for two-and-a-half years.

Her essential list includes maps, water, being hydrated before setting out, food, layers of clothing, bright colours, appropriate footwear and a lighter.

A small first aid kit is a must too.

``The bush is very unforgiving to people who are under prepared and inexperienced,'' she said.

``People should also know their own limitations and stick to them.''

Details: beacons.amsa.com.au.

Springw ood Police Station: 4751 0299.