SCORCHING temperatures could see increased risk for party-goers on Australia Day.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted temperatures to reach above 30 degrees each day of the long weekend.
Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor Chris Perera said historically the service had received a lot of calls surrounding heat-related illnesses on Australia Day.
“We also get a lot of water related incidents and calls around alcohol and drugs (including) dehydration due to alcohol consumption, intoxication and falls,” Mr Perera said.
Redland Bay police station acting sergeant Chris Pearson said hot weather forecast for the weekend combined with people starting to drink early in the day meant higher rates of alcohol-related incidents were likely.
He said that while people might be tempted to crack open a cold one to cool down, they should take regular water breaks to stay hydrated, especially if partying throughout the day.
“So many young people organise hottest 100 parties and the like which tend to kick off early,” Acting Sergeant Pearson said.
“That’s the main difference (between Australia Day and a standard weekend).”
Acting Sergeant Pearson said people should be aware that police would be out and about on Australia Day to monitor crowd behaviour.
“There’s reason to anticipate extra crews on the road conducting RBTs and high visibility patrols on Australia Day,” he said.
The Australian Royal Life Saving Society issued a warning to revellers hitting beaches or pools, with data revealing that 18 per cent of men who drowned in the past 15 years were known to have had a contributory level of alcohol in their system.
The data also showed that the combination of warmer weather and celebrations around water could be deadly, with January having the highest recorded number of alcohol-related drowning deaths.
Society CEO Justin Scarr said the levels of intoxication displayed by men around water was concerning.
A culture of risk-taking behaviour by men around water can be dangerous, and when combined with alcohol, can be fatal.
- Justin Scarr
He said alcohol could impair judgement, reduce coordination and delay reaction time.
Of the activities resulting in drowning deaths while under the influence of alcohol, 41% were as a result of jumping in, and 32% were due to accidental falls into water.
Mr Perera said watercraft such as jetskis were also dangerous while under the influence.
Tips for staying safe on Australia Day
- Avoid entering the water after drinking alcohol
- Know your limits
- Never swim alone
- Learn how to resuscitate
- If you are drinking, don’t let your level of intoxication hinder your judgement. De-escalation (such as walking away) during potentially violent incidents is key
- Do not consume alcohol in a public place as police can issue on the spot fines
- Make appropriate transport plans. Don’t drink and drive
- Stay hydrated and bring a water bottle if heading out for the day
- Keep out of the sun in the middle of the day to avoid sunstroke and heatstroke
- Look out for children and the elderly
- Carry a first aid kid
- Download the Emergency+ app if heading to unfamiliar areas, so emergency services can determine your exact location
Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
