PARTY SAFETY

Feeling UNWELL? Seek help!

  • It is ok to seek help if you are feeling unwell.  You won’t get into trouble for telling a medical professional your situation.  This is done confidentially.
  • Chill out spaces are available onsite.
  • If you’re drinking alcohol, keep track of how many drinks you’ve had to avoid injury or making yourself sick.
  • Don’t mix alcohol with other drugs

Take care of your mates

  • You’re a mate, not a doctor.  So, don’t be afraid to seek help for someone who is unwell.
  • Medical services and chill out spaces are available onsite.
  • It’s a good idea to stay close to your mates. Agree on a place and time to meet, in case you get separated. Don’t rely on your mobile phone – your battery could go flat or the network coverage could be overloaded.

Eat, hydrate and stay cool

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
  • Know your alcohol limit.
  • Eat well before the event and allow time for the food to digest. Have regular snacks throughout the event to keep yourself going.
  • Alcohol and other drugs can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Heat stroke and hypothermia can easily happen. When the sun is out, wear sun protection and take regular breaks in the shade.  When the sun goes down, have warm clothes ready.

Take care of your mental health

  • Events can become overwhelming. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, tell a trusted friend how you feel and move away from loud music. Find a calm place to relax.  Dancewise have personnel who can help if you’re not sure how you’re feeling or need someone to talk too.
  • Avoid alcohol or drugs if you are already feeling emotional, depressed or anxious.  Avoid making any important life decisions if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Think about how you will get home

  • Before the event, plan your way home and make sure you have enough money to pay for transport.
  • Public transport is often the safest transport option. Remember that it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or any illicit drug.
  • It is not safe to drive until you are fully alert, sober and well rested.
  • Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.

Practice safe sex

  • If you hook up with someone, be prepared and take condoms with you.  Sexual consent must be explicit. Consent might be different for everyone, but it should be enthusiastic and certain. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be able to consent. If in doubt, put off having sex until they’re sober.
  • Be aware of drink spiking. Buy and pour your own drinks. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Do not leave your drink unattended.
  • Visit the Play Safe website to find out everything you need to know about safe sex and consent.

Know what’s right for you

  • Decide what’s right for you on issues like drugs, alcohol and sex. Knowing where you stand makes it easier to stay true to yourself.
  • Don’t do anything you don’t want to do – your mates will respect you more for standing up for yourself.