Safety tips
Tips for how to stay safe, celebrate and watch your mates.
- Think before you drink. Underage drinking or possession of liquor in a public place could land you with a fine of up to $1875.
- Don't think you can fake it. Possession of a fake ID attracts a fine of up to $1875.
- Know your limits. If you choose to drink alcohol, be responsible. Limit your drinks, know their strength, have water between drinks, eat something, and remember that only time will make you sober.
- Drink spiking can happen. Always buy your own drink and keep it with you.
- Drugs are illegal and dangerous. You won’t know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Be prepared and be safe. If you are sexually active, practise safe sex.
- No means no. Unwanted or forced sexual behaviour is a crime.
- Know the house rules. If there are any issues see your apartment manager straight away.
- Police and volunteers are there to help. They will give you support and advice. Remain calm, listen and follow instructions.
- Walk safely and don’t drink drive. Stay on the footpath, protect your feet, cross only at crossings or traffic lights and be aware of traffic. Always walk with a friend or in a group. Don’t drink and drive or get in the car with a drunk driver — you could lose your licence or your life.
- Falls from high rises are fatal. Climbing and hanging off the wrong side of high rise balcony rails has resulted in serious injuries and death when people have fallen.
- Be sun safe. Wear sun safe clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Use sunscreen and limit your time in the sun between 10am and 3pm.
- Hit the surf sober and always swim between the flags. Swimming at night, at unpatrolled beaches or after consuming alcohol is dangerous.
- Save in your mobile under ICE the name and number of the person to be contacted In Case of Emergency (ICE).
- Tattoos and piercings can cause irreversible damage. Choose licensed practitioners or wait to make your decision when you get home.
- Toolies and foolies aren’t invited. Schoolies community safety responses are for Year 12 graduating students only.
- Carry your ID. Year 12 graduates (schoolies) wanting access to any of the coordinated activities will need to produce the right photo ID.
- Be responsible. For yourself, your mates, your property and your accommodation.
- Think before you act. You only get one life so make good choices.
Think before you drink!
It's okay to choose not to drink! Here are some things you should keep in mind:
- If you are under 18 years of age, it is illegal for you to be in licensed premises – this includes a licensed restaurant if you are not eating a meal, a nightclub or pub. If you are under 18 years of age in licensed premises you risk a maximum fine of $1875.
It is illegal for anyone to be in possession of or consume alcohol in a public place. This includes a park, the beach or a picnic ground. An on-the-spot fine of $75 for adults and $225 for minors can be issued up to a maximum of $1875. If you are under 18 and even just holding the alcohol for someone else, you can be fined an on-the-spot fine of $225. This includes carrying alcohol in your bag.
- It is illegal to be drunk in public – and yes, this includes a pub, restaurant or nightclub. You can be fined or arrested.
- It is illegal to supply alcohol to a minor. If you are 18 or over and buy or supply alcohol for your underage friends, you can be given an on-the-spot fine of $600 and your underage friend can be fined $225 on the spot, up to a maximum of $1875. Just asking a mate to hold your liquor may be considered supply.
- It is illegal for bartenders to sell or supply alcohol to someone who is unduly intoxicated. It doesn't matter how old you are — if you are drunk, you will not be served alcohol at a licensed venue.
- Licensed restaurants do not have to let you BYO. It is solely at the discretion of the licensee as to whether they allow patrons to bring their own beer, wine or spirits for consumption on the premises. It is legal for them to charge a corkage fee either per person or per bottle.
- You could also be fined for taking alcohol into your rooms if the apartments are licensed and you are underaged.
In addition to affecting your health, alcohol consumption affects your behaviour and can lead to:
- increased aggression levels
- poor decision making
- lack of coordination
- loss of inhibitions.
The only thing that will reduce your blood alcohol is TIME.
Some helpful hints if you are going to drink alcohol:
- Eat before and while you are drinking.
- Finish one drink before having another.
- Know when you have had enough and stick to your limit.
- Avoid drinking in 'rounds' or 'shouts'.
- Drink a non-alcoholic drink - particularly water - in between alcoholic drinks.
- Always keep an eye on your drink.
- Know what is in your drink.
- Don’t share or swap your drinks.
- Look out for your friends.
- Give your body a break and enjoy some alcohol free days!
Don't think you can fake it!
Four forms of identification are acceptable in licensed venues:
- a current driver's licence or learner's permit
- a current passport (from any country)
- an Australian government-issued proof-of-age card (Card 18+) - you can get Card 18+ from your nearest Queensland Transport customer service centre or by calling 13 23 80
- a Victorian Keypass.
Foreign drivers' licences are accepted as evidence of age providing it has a photo and date of birth of the licence holder. Where a foreign driver's licence is not written in English, an International Driver's Permit issued in the foreign country of origin (and including a photo of the licence holder and translation) must be presented with the foreign driver's licence.
It’s illegal to use someone else’s ID or make a fake ID.
- If you use a friend’s ID you will be fined $225 on-the-spot.
- If you lend your ID to a friend you will be fined $375 and the ID will be confiscated on-the-spot.
- If you deface an ID to use it, you will be fined $300 on-the-spot.
- If you make and use a fake ID you will be fined $450 on-the-spot.
- You could also be taken to court and fined up to $3000 for these offences.
- All fake IDs will be confiscated.
It is illegal to alter your ID, including changing the date of birth. You will receive an on-the-spot fine of up to $300 if caught..
For more information visit www.transport.qld.gov.au
Know your limits
A standard drink is a useful way for you to monitor how much alcohol you are consuming.
Regardless of the type of drink, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. In real terms, this means the following are the equivalent of one standard drink:
One standard drink equals approximately:
- 1 x 285 ml pot of full-strength beer (4.8% alc/vol)
- 1 x 375 ml can of mid-strength beer (3/4% alc/vol)
- 1.6 pots of light beer (2/8% alc/vol)
- 5 pots of super light beer (0.9% alc/vol)
- 1 x 100 ml glass of wine (12% alc/vol)
- 1 x 30 ml nip of spirit (40% alc.vol)
- 1 x 60 ml glass of fortified wine (20% alc/vol).
Drink spiking can happen
Drink spiking is illegal but it happens. It can lead to assault, robbery, rape and sexual assault, or even death.
Many victims are female and most know their attacker.
Drink spiking doesn’t just happen in noisy, crowded nightclubs. It also happens at private parties and quiet venues.
- Always buy your own drink and keep it with you.
- Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know or trust.
- Drink out of bottles or cans rather than a glass.
- Symptoms of drink spiking may include sleepiness, unsteadiness, slurred speech, overtly provocative behaviour and memory loss.
- If you think you or your friend’s drink has been spiked get help immediately from bar staff, volunteers or police.
Call the 24-hour Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or visit www.liquor.qld.gov.au/Patrons/Drink+spiking.html for more information.
Drugs are illegal and dangerous
- The possession and/or consumption of drugs is illegal.
- Illicit drugs have no manufacturing controls — you don't know what you're getting.
- Mixing drugs with alcohol is dangerous.
- All drugs affect your driving ability.
If someone collapses, don't wait until it's too late before seeking help:
- Call an ambulance IMMEDIATELY by dialling triple zero (000) and listen carefully to the operator.
- Stay with the person.
- Check to see that they respond to simple commands such as "open your eyes" or "squeeze my hand".
- If they are unconscious and breathing turn them on their side.
- If they are not breathing, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Ambulance officers and paramedics won't call police if you ask them for help - the most important thing is getting medical help if it is needed.
Be prepared and be safe
- Alcohol and drugs can affect your ability to think clearly and make good decisions.
- Don’t be pressured into sexual activity you don’t want. If it doesn’t feel right, say NO.
- Sex is not always planned. Carry a condom with you so that if you have sex, it’s safe sex. You’ll reduce the risk of STIs or unintended pregnancy for yourself and your partner.
Visit www.health.qld.gov.au/istaysafe for youth-specific information on sex and sexual health. You can also visit Family Planning Queensland for details on contraception and other issues.
Remember: if it's not, on it's not on!
Visit www.health.qld.gov.au/istaysafe for youth specific information on sex and sexual health. You can also visit Family Planning Queensland for details on contraception and other issues.
No means no
Sexual assault is any sexual activity to which a person does not give consent. This includes:
- rape
- unwanted touching
- sexual harassment
- indecent exposure, and
- sex-related insults.
Sexual assault is uninvited, unwelcome and is never the fault of the victim.
Here are some tips to increase your safety:
- Trust your gut feelings.
- Know the person you are going out with.
- Date or meet new people in a group or public place.
- Let a friend know where you are going.
- Order your own drinks and open them yourself.
- Always have enough money for a phone call and cab.
- It’s okay to speak out or leave a situation.
- Never try to convince somebody to have sex with you — respect the rights of others to say NO.
If you feel that you are in a situation where sexual behaviour is unwanted, forced or coerced it is not OK. Contact the Sexual Assault Helpline 24 hours on 1800 010 120 or find an official volunteer for help.
Know the house rules
Ask for a copy of the accommodation contract from your accommodation provider and check the terms and conditions are acceptable before arriving.
Check that you can reasonably stick to the house rules before you pay your deposit.
Find out more about your rights and responsibilities with accommodation.
If you have a question about your rights, or if you believe you are not getting a fair deal as a tenant, contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04 or visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Police and volunteers are there to help
Police, emergency services personnel and volunteers are there to help you and your mates.
Remember: remain calm, listen carefully and follow instructions.
Always provide honest, reliable information when requested by police, fire, ambulance personnel or official volunteers.
Never feel ashamed or scared of seeking help or advice if you or your friends need urgent assistance.
Walk safely and don’t drink drive
Stay on the footpath when walking. If there isn’t one, walk on the right-hand side of the road towards approaching traffic and as close to the curb as possible. At night, drivers may not be able to see you until it’s too late, so wear or carry something bright or colourful.
NEVER WALK ALONE — walk with a sober friend or in a group. Ask an official volunteer to walk you home if you become separated from your friends.
Drinking alcohol affects your vision, judgment and coordination, making it difficult to drive or walk safely. If you plan on drinking, leave the car at home or at the party and catch a taxi, bus or get a lift with a sober friend.
Falls from high rises are fatal
Climbing and hanging off the wrong side of high rise balcony rails has resulted in serious injuries and death. You only get one life so make the right choice.
Room hopping is extremely dangerous. If you hop from balcony to balcony and you fall, you are risking your life. You may also be evicted from your accommodation.
Be sun safe
Fact: more sun = more chances of getting skin cancer!
Make sure you’re prepared before you hit the beach or the pool. Here are some hot tips to remember:
- Don’t spend too long in the sun between 10am and 3pm — that’s peak UV time.
- Head for the shade.
- Wear clothes that’ll protect you from the UV rays.
- Put a broad-brimmed hat on to keep your face, neck and ears from being burnt.
- Wear your sunnies so your eyes don’t get fried.
- Slop on sunscreen (SPF30+) 20 minutes before you head out into the sun and reapply every two hours.
- Drink lots of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
- SLIP, SLOP, SLAP — it’s EASY!
Hit the surf sober
Alcohol and drugs don’t mix in the water!
Consuming alcohol and drugs is a definite health hazard and frequently a factor in road and boating accidents, aquatic rescues and drownings.
A raised blood alcohol level or the effects of drugs impairs judgment and makes a person more likely to take risks. A person’s ability to respond to a potentially dangerous situation is also greatly reduced.
A swimmer who has been drinking or taking drugs may tire more easily and while swimming they are more likely to vomit and potentially inhale stomach contents — nasty!
In Case of Emergency (ICE)
In your mobile phone, under ‘ICE’, save the name and number of the person to be contacted In Case of Emergency (ICE).
Keep a list of important contact numbers with you at all times — you never know when you might need to call someone for advice or information.
Make sure your parents know where you’re staying and how to get in touch with you easily. Give them the numbers of your friends and their parents to ensure everyone can get in touch with each other easily in an emergency.
Tattoos and piercings
Once the ink is on your skin, you will be stuck with that design for life.
If you are considering a tattoo or piercing, think it though, give yourself some time to make your decision, get the facts and get it done by a professional in a licensed studio.
See a doctor if your tattoo or piercing becomes painful, swollen, extremely red or irritated.
Toolies and foolies aren't invited
Schoolies is for graduating Year 12 students or TAFE equivalent only!
Toolies - past Year 12 students - and foolies - those yet to get through Year 12 - are not invited and should stay away from Schoolies.
Establish a buddy-system with a friend where you agree to look out for each other during the day or night to help keep each other safe.
One punch can kill. You have a choice - you can either avoid violence or risk the physical, emotional and criminal consequences.
Remember that police and official volunteers are there to assist you and your friends at any time - never be afraid to ask for help.
Carry your ID
This could be your:
- Year 12 student photo ID
- Driver’s licence
- Current passport
- 18+ Card (available from the Department of Transport at www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Licensing/Car_18_plus/)
Your student ID might give you special discounts in shops. It will also prove that you’re a real schoolie and get you into all the drug and alcohol-free activities on offer.
Be responsible
Look out for yourself, your mates, your property and your accommodation.
Remember that you have the right to celebrate but not to break the law or disrupt people who live and work in the community.
Establish a ‘check-in with home’ arrangement with your parents — a quick call or text message will let your loved ones know that you are safe and having fun.
Think before you act
Some things you may not know about alcohol
- Alcohol is a factor in one in five drownings.
- Alcohol is implicated in almost half of all pedestrian fatalities.
- Drinking alcohol greatly increases the chance of injury, no matter what the activity.
- Alcohol is involved in almost half of all sexual assaults committed on women aged 15 years and over.
If you are arrested for an offence, you may be finger printed and photographed. In Queensland, 17-year-olds convicted of drug offences are tried through the adult court system. If you are convicted of a criminal offence, you could have difficulty getting a job or even be prevented from getting a visa to travel overseas.
People can sometimes say hurtful things when they are tired, hungry, affected by alcohol or stressed, so try not to react or take things personally. Try to resolve conflict by talking it over when you’re both
And remember: be safe and watch your mates!
Last updated: 27 October 2008
