It’s finally summer and we are all getting a well-deserved break from burying our faces in books and assignments! You may have heard the saying “work hard, play hard”, and certainly partying with friends can be the best way to create great memories. But having a good time doesn’t have to mean rolling the dice with your safety!
Our THRIVE Student Interns Panda and Angelia are here to give you the lowdown on how to maximise the most out of your summer without compromising on your wellbeing.
To find out more about how to party safely check out this resource: https://darta.net.au/resources/facts-sheets/
Partying safely
Avoid these risks for a good time:
- Drink spiking
- Violence or aggression
- Drug overdose or alcohol poisoning
- Unsafe or non-consensual sex
- Drunk driving
So always:
- Buy a new drink If you’ve left your drink unattended
- Avoid drinking too quickly
- Know when to stop drinking and say no
- Eat before drinking
- Try other fun activities like pool, bowling, darts etc.
- Safe sex = smart sex
- Check in with your mates
- Let someone know where you are and what time you plan to get home
- Prepare a plan B to get home if you are driving
- Plan the perfect post-party snack on your way home, then raid the pantry the minute you walk in the door. Trust us, you won’t regret it in the morning!
#AskforAngela – When you feel unsafe during a date or night out, find a staff member and ask for ‘Angela’, they will know to help you out of the situation!
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or drink alcohol. If you’re caught, you can face serious consequences, so don’t risk it. Stay safe and follow the law! You can find out more about partying safely here.
Water safety
Beach safety tips
- Swim between the red & yellow flags! Lifeguards watch these areas, so you’re safer here. If no flags? No swimming!
- Caught in a rip current? Stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape. Need help? Signal for lifeguards. Learn more here: https://beachsafetyhub.org.au/learn-&-play/beach-ocean-safety/what-is-a-rip-current/
- “White is nice, green is mean” – stick to bubbly, white water for safer swimming!
Sun safety
- Slip on a long-sleeved shirt
- Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen (check UV with the SunSmart app)
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
- Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours
- Slide on UV-protective sunnies
Sunscreen application tips:
- Apply 20 mins before heading out
- Reapply every 2 hours (more if swimming/sweating)
- Use 1 tsp per limb, front, back & head – 7 tsp total!
Heat safety tips
- Stay hydrated! Carry a water bottle, drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Keep cool: Use fans/AC, wear light clothing, and splash cool water on your skin.
- Check in: Look out for neighbours living alone, older individuals, and people with medical condition during heatwaves.
- Plan smart: Watch weather forecast and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat but if you must, bring water, wear a hat, and slather on sunscreen.
- Hot car alert! Never leave kids, pets, or elders in parked cars because the temperatures can double within minutes!
Heat warning: know the signs
Heat exhaustion:
- Headache, nausea, fatigue, rapid pulse, heavy sweating.
- Act fast: Lie down, drink water, cool off with a shower or compress.
Heat stroke:
- Severe headache, dry tongue, confusion, slurred speech, body temp > 40°C.
- Life-threatening: Call 000! Cool body down while waiting for help.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer!
