DrinkWise is once again reminding all school leavers of the importance of moderating their consumption if choosing to drink so they can enjoy their Schoolies experience and stay safe.
The ‘Schoolies Survival Tips’ campaign is now featuring in over 600 retail stores in Schoolies hotspots, with support from Endeavour Group, Coles Liquor, IGA Liquor and Retail Drinks Australia member stores, providing that reminder at the point of purchase and prior to consumption.
Popular Schoolies destinations including Rottnest Island, Surfers Paradise, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Rosebud, Victor Harbour, Dunsborough, Philip Island and Lorne are all being targeted through geo-located social media posts, with additional DrinkWise messaging playing on Spotify.
“DrinkWise is working with retailers to display moderation messages within liquor stores to remind Schoolies to pace themselves when celebrating,” said DrinkWise CEO Simon Strahan.
“We know for many Schoolies this is their first time away without their parents and that can be exciting but also a little daunting. While it is understandably a chance to celebrate the end of their schooling, we want to ensure everyone stays safe and makes good choices, especially if consuming alcohol.”
Schoolies celebrations kicked off this weekend, DrinkWise having these tips for school leavers to help them have a fun and safe time:
- Always have your phone on you (and charged!).
- Make sure you are having something to eat before and during drink occasions.
- Pace any alcohol intake and hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks (water is your friend!).
- Try swapping a full-strength alcoholic drink for a zero or lower-strength drink.
- Be extra cautious with drinks that have a high alcohol content.
- Stay with friends and keep an eye out for one another.
- Don’t drink drive or get into a car with anyone who’s been drinking.
- Avoid risky situations such as swimming after drinking or getting into arguments and fights.
- Beware of drink spiking – don’t let your drink out of your sight.
- Let your parents know where you’re staying and who you’re travelling with.
- Keep in contact with your parents throughout the week – so they know you are safe.
- Register as a school leaver with the local council (or Schoolies organisation) in the area
- you’re visiting.
- Put your ‘in case of emergency number’ (ICE) in your phone.
- In an emergency call 000.
- Keep money aside for emergencies.