Three Cairns teenagers have reunited with the Rescue 510 team following an incident at Barron Falls on 14 February.
Around 7.30pm, police received a Triple Zero call from two 16-year-old boys and a 14-year-old girl who had become stranded on a rock at Barron Falls after water rose quickly.
Several police officers were deployed, along with the Queensland Government Rescue 510 helicopter and police helicopter.
All three were airlifted to safety and were uninjured.
In the days following, the group wrote personalised letters to the police officers and rescue team to express their gratitude, and understanding of the dangers of the situation.
On 9 March, Reon Namba, Amber Kukulies and Jacob Tait reunited with the team involved in their rescue, to thank them for their efforts and learn more about the operation.
14-year-old Amber Kukulies said she called Triple Zero after she became concerned about the rising water level.
"I can't even put it into words like, grateful that they put themselves at risk just to rescue us. We owe them everything honestly."
Queensland Government Rescue 510 Senior Base Pilot Ben Lawler said the crew had been conducting winch training near Fitzroy Island that evening when they were asked to deploy to Barron Gorge.
"Every time we get a wet season there's going to be a number of these throughout Queensland, this is reasonably common," Senior Base Pilot Lawler said.
"If there's creeks and it's raining, odds are these situations can increase very quickly, I think these kids have a real appreciation of what that means."
Queensland Government Rescue 510 Aircrew Officer Liam Carruthers said it was a positive outcome for all involved given the difficult terrain and weather conditions.
"Fortunately, on the night in question, these kids got very lucky considering the rate of the rising water."
With the wet season still in full swing, emergency services are urging locals and visitors to exercise extreme caution when venturing to waterfalls and other tourist spots.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
