General BDO safety info

PLANNING FOR THE SHOW

1. Remember to bring ID, your ticket, important phone numbers, sun block, a watch, any medication you may need, a hat, charged mobile phone, pen, vitamins & still camera if you want plus enough cash for the day. If you have any chronic conditions or illness (ie epilepsy, diabetes, asthma) be sure to carry information regarding your condition & emergency contact number on your person at all times. Making a list isn't a bad idea. (Please read the page about MA15 rules here).
2. Allow enough time to get to & into the show. Presume around 30minutes to get through the gates & security checks depending on the time of day.
3. Dress for the day & weather. Wear sensible shoes & clothes and bring a rain coat if need. Avoid wearing jewellry that could potentially harm yourself or others.
4. Bringing a bag or pack is handy but remember that it will take longer to get into the show & if you want to check it in it will add two more cues to your day.
5. You can bring into the show an unopened bottle of water (no glass) & reasonable amounts of food without problems. Fruit is highly recommended but don't throw it at the bands.
6. Don't presume that the laws of the real world don't apply to the Big Day Out. Anyone caught holding or dealing illegal substances will be treated the same way as anywhere else.It is highly likely that Police will be at the festival entrances throughout Australia with drug sniffer dogs.
7. Don't turn up drunk or out of it as you may be refused entry or will probably pass out before you see any of the bands you paid to see.
8. If you intend to meet up with you friend outside the show remember how big the show is & choose a specific spot & time especially if they have your ticket. There are no pass outs at the show so come with everything you need for the day.
9. Check the back of your ticket for restricted items conditions such as Video cameras, alcohol & umbrellas as we have no provision to check them in so you will need to get rid of it or take it back home or to your car.
10. Try to have a good breakfast & keep patient & calm. It will be a long, hopefully fantastic day.

SORTING OUT YOUR DAY

Now that you are in the site it is important to plan your day. Obviously the priority is making sure you get to see the acts that mean the most to you but don't forget the basics.

1. If you are with friends & intend to travel home together arrange a place & time to meet up at the end of the night.
2. Large crowds, a long day & hot weather in combination will tire you out. Make sure you pace yourself, drink plenty of water, eat some food that will give you some energy & minimize sun exposure.
3. Excessive use of mind altering substances of any kind including alcohol can result in the day changing from fantastic to a nightmare in a very short amount of time. Don't forget you need to get home after the show & an ambulance isn't the best or cheapest way to do so. Don't be afraid to tell us if something is going wrong, we only want to help you, not judge you.

Tips for reducing high risk drinking 

• Know your limits and to stick to them. This will stop you from drinking more than you can handle.
• The Big Day Out is a long day so try to avoid drinking games where the idea is to get drunk quickly. This includes sculling drinks.
• Know what you are drinking. Not all drinks are a standard drink size. Some pre-mixed spirits contain the equivalent to two standard drinks so check the label to see how much you’re drinking
• For every alcoholic drink, plan to alternate with a non-alcoholic drink. Look out for the Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare water team, who will be roaming the venue with free water refills.
• An empty stomach can increase the effects of alcohol. Before you leave for the event, make sure you have a big breakfast, and take time out between sets to have something to eat throughout the day.
• Avoid rounds or shouts. You are likely to drink more to keep up with your friends.
• With so many cool bands and things to do at the Big Day Out, there is no excuse for staying in one spot drinking all day. Get up, move around and dance to avoid continuous drinking.
• Avoid top-ups and finish your drink before you go for a refill. This will allow you to keep track of how much you’ve had.
• Don’t buy a drink on your way to see an act. You will not be able to take it into the stage area.

Plan ahead and stay safe

• Arrange a designated driver or get a taxi or bus home with friends.
• Ensure you can call a friend or family member if you need help.
• To avoid drink spiking, watch your drink at all times, and never leave it unattended.
• Keep an eye out for your friends. Keep a general watch over their drinks and actions and help them out if they need it.

Check out www.australia.gov.au/drinkingnightmare for more information on the Australian Government’s Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare campaign.
 

CROWD CONTROLS

In all cities except Auckland a second, controlled barrier system known as a 'D' barricade will be erected in front of the main arena stages. The purpose of this structure will be to provide a greater control of & for security & safety teams to the front of the main stages.

This will be an alcohol free zone plus security will have discretionary powers to restrict crowd numbers plus people who are too small or young, intoxicated, aggressive or possibly drug affected, incapacitated, in a wheel chair or on crutches, has been identified as a crowd surfer or is in possession of items considered unsuitable to be in the area such as boogy boards or large bags or backpacks.

Crowd surfing, moshing & circle dancing are dangerous activities & wil not be tolerated. Offenders will either be banned from the 'D' area or removed from the site.

Water may also be sprayed on the audience in this area so mobile phones & cameras are at risk.

Please consider others as well as your own safety, especially in front of stages. If someone falls down or is in distress please help them if you can or let the Security or Crowd Care team know so we can help. It's meant to be a fun day, let's make sure it is.

CROWD CARE TEAMS

To allow the First Aid & Security teams to focus more efficiently on the real safety issues we are introducing the CROWD CARE team of volunteers. They will be wearing bright orange jackets & hats & will assist with water distribution & help monitor the audience, especially away from the stages. If you have a basic question or urgent problem they should be able to help you or find suitable assistance.

SECURITY

Whether it's entering, leaving or in the festival you will be required to abide by any reasonable request or command from the Big Day Out security. Remember that they are primarily there to keep the entire festival safe. If you need help or see someone needing help please notify them straight away. In some cases we may need to clear a path or area & security may need to react quickly. Please follow there directions if required as someones safety may depend on it, maybe your own.

IMPORTANT SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Between acts on the main stages will be a recorded message covering crowd safety issues.In the event of a specific issue live requests will be made. Please take note of & respect these announcements.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

Under extreme & unlikely circumstances a building, area or the entire site may be required to be evacuated or cleared. It will be imperative for you to follow all instructions & directions from emergency services, police, fire brigade & / or our security that would be requested of you in such a situation.

FIRST AID

There will be several First Aid stations around the site to treat people who are genuinely ill or have injured themselves on the day. Try to minimize your demands on them if it does not relate to real issues as they have a very long demanding day. These people are volunteers & we owe them a great deal of gratitude for all their skills & support.

WASTE & THE ENVIRONMENT

Where recycling stations are available please make an effort to use them.

GETTING HOME

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!
We strongly recommend you travel home by public transport.
There are large numbers of extra bus and/or train services after every show to ensure there’s room for everyone to get home safely.  Please be patient and sensible and stay on the platforms and designated waiting areas
NB Any person entering prohibited areas of railway property may be arrested and prosecuted.  And that would be a bad end to your Big Day Out…
 

LOST PROPERTY & UNCOLLECTED COAT CHECK ITEMS

Lost property that is handed in on the day will be taken to the coat check.