DRUG & ALCOHOL SAFETY

ALCOHOL & DRUG SAFETY AT BOARDMASTERS

BY CAILIN WHEATLEY

As much as we want you to be safe and have a good time, we know things don’t always go as planned even if you take the correct precautions. We want to reassure you that there is always help when you need it, so don’t struggle in silence. Drugs and alcohol affect your state of mind, and stop you from making correct or safe judgements. So here are a few guidelines to follow if you find yourself in unsafe situations at the festival:

Try to stay in groups or with a festival buddy, don’t wander off on your own.

Keep your phone charged. If you end up in a situation away from your pals, try and get in contact with them. Or make meeting points at specific times within the festival. be, or feel in any way abnormal, let a friend know your concerns and seek help from the medical tent ASAP– this also applies when taking drugs: don’t feel ashamed if you experience a bad turn, experimenting is normal and you should seek help ASAP if you feel funny, scared, or out of control.

Good communication between friends, and being self-aware is important, especially when intoxicated, as you may be unaware of how you are acting. Listen to what your friends have to say about how you’re acting, as well as politely letting them know if they are not acting appropriately/not how they normally would – you never know, they might need your help.

Try to leave valuable belongings at home. If it’s a necessity, keep your cash, cards, and other valuable belongings on you. Even during the night to decrease the risk of them being stolen – make sure to keep a note of your bank’s number on hand to cancel/freeze any stolen cards.

If camping, set your tent up near a marker

point so it is easy to find in the dark, maybe near a well-lit area or pole.

Meeting new friends at a festival is all part of the fun but remember they are strangers so avoid taking anything they might offer you.

Don’t leave your drink unattended.

If you feel more intoxicated than you set out to Avoid padlocking your tent, as thieves may assume there are valuables in it.

If you find a stranger in your tent when returning to it, stay back and call for emergency rather than interrogating them.