Survival tips
Tips for how to stay safe, celebrate and watch your mates.
- THINK - Think before you drink. Underage drinking or possession of liquor in a public place could land you with a fine of up to $1875.
- FAKE ID - Don't think you can fake it. Possession of a fake ID attracts a fine of up to $1875.
- LIMITS - Know your limits. If you choose to drink alcohol, be responsible. Limit your drinks, know their strength, have water in-between and most importantly, remember to eat.
- SPIKING - Drink spiking can happen. Always buy your own drink and keep it with you.
- DRUGS - Drugs are illegal and dangerous. You won’t know what you’re getting yourself into.
- SEX - Be prepared and be safe. If you are sexually active, practise safe sex.
- UNWANTED - No means no. Unwanted or forced sexual behaviour is a crime.
- RULES - Know the house rules. If there are any issues see your apartment manager straight away.
- HELP - Police and volunteers are there to help. They will provide support and advice. Remain calm, listen and follow instructions.
- SUN - Be sun smart. Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
- WALK - Walk safely. Stay on the footpath, cross only at crossings or traffic lights and be aware of traffic. Always walk with a friend or in a group.
- FEET - Protect your feet. Cuts from broken glass or needles is one of the most common injuries at schoolies, especially among girls.
Think before you drink!
Entertainment is provided throughout Schoolies for Schoolies of all ages. It's okay to choose not to drink! Here are some things to 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 you buy or supply alcohol for your underage friends, you can be fined 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 or while you are drinking.
- Finish one drink before having another.
- Avoid drinking in "rounds" or "shouts".
- Drink a non-alcoholic drink in between alcoholic drinks.
- Keep within your limits.
- Maintain control and accountability at all times.
- Monitor your own responses to alcohol.
- Ensure that car keys are handed over to the designated "level head" (non-drinker) if you start drinking alcohol and only allow the designated person to drive a car.
- Stay with friends at all times.
- Watch out for drink spiking.
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.
From 1 August 2005 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 is illegal to let someone else use your ID. If you are 18 or over and you let an underage friend use your ID you are both breaking the law and you can receive an on-the-spot fine of up to $375, your underage friend can be fined $450 up to a maximum fine of $1875 and your ID may be confiscated.
It is illegal to alter your ID, including changing the date of birth. You can receive an on-the-spot fine of up to $375.
For more information visit www.transport.qld.gov.au
Drink spiking happens
- 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.
Check out www.thinkb4udrink.com 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 dialing 000.
- 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 aren't 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
Sex is your decision — no means no and yes means yes. It's okay and quite normal to choose not to have sex.
- Remember that peer pressure, alcohol and drugs all affect your decision-making.
- If you're planning a sexual encounter on Schoolies be prepared and play it safe.
- Safe sex means protecting yourself and others by using:
- contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy
- condoms to guard against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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 unwanted or forced sexual behaviour or the use of coercion. Sexual assault includes:
- rape
- unwanted touching
- sexual harassment
- leering
- threats
- exposure.
Sexual assault is uninvited, unwelcome and is never the fault of the victim.
Here are some tips to increase your safety:
- 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 right 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
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.
Be sun smart
Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply at least every two hours.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Dress in long sleeved shirts and longer pants for outdoor activities (preferably with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor Rating).
- Seek shade provided by trees or other shade structures where possible.
- Minimise time spent in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm as this is the peak UV time.
Last updated: 19 June 2008
