Tips for a safe Schoolies and Managing Alcohol

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by Rebecca Capell, Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) | [email protected]

Congratulations to all our members who have completed year 12 and sat their HSC exams over the last four weeks. It is an end of an era, and no doubt many of you will enjoy celebrating and heading off to “Schoolies” for a well-deserved holiday.

Whilst we hope you have fun and enjoy your celebrations, please keep the following advice in mind, so we see you return safely.

  • Always go to and from a venue with a friend.
  • Ensure your phone is charged and you have Life360 installed.
  • Organise a meeting spot with friends at a particular time if you get separated.
  • Always buy your own drinks, and if someone buys you a drink, accompany them to the bar.
  • If it tastes weird, don’t drink it!
  • Eat and then eat some more!
  • Try to include soft drinks or water between alcoholic drinks.
  • Leave your car at home, don’t be tempted to drive even if you are not drinking. As a P plater, you cannot have many, if any, passengers in a car, so reduce the temptation and leave the car behind.
  • Alcohol/Drugs do not mix with water activities. Given that you are all water babies please don’t get complacent about your abilities. While under the influence your swimming ability is non-existent so stay out of the water.
  • Remember alcohol may make you feel indestructible, but you are very much breakable.

For those of us that are too old for “Schoolies” (thank goodness for that)! We too have a season full of festivities in front of us. After two years of lock downs and minimal gatherings we may be out of practice for the silly season.  Some small reminders for all of us…

  • We are not 18 anymore and that hangover the next day hurts bad!
  • Don’t feel pressure to drink, there are lots of alternative beverages that are low in alcohol or have no alcohol at all at taste great.
  • For every alcoholic drink chase it with water.
  • Eat!
  • Pace yourself. Enjoy the event and your friends, don’t try to fit in too many functions in one weekend.
  • Leave your car at home or have a designated driver. The northern beaches are notorious for DUI’s, let’s change this.
  • Catch up with friend for an activity like tennis or a swim, we don’t always have to drink and eat to have fun.

Other Useful Resources

Safeguarding A Generation – Red Frogs

How To Stay Safe At Schoolies Events | Schoolies.com

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