We love summer holidays in Australia and we want you to make the most of them. To help you, we have put together a few tips to help keep you safe so you can relax and really enjoy your holiday.
Sun safety
- The Australian sun can be dangerous and prolonged, unprotected exposure can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, eye damage and other conditions.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ anytime you go outside. Even when it’s cool or cloudy.
- Monitor the UV radiation levels to know when it is safest time of day to go in the sun.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and stay in shady areas when you can.
- Carry a bottle of water with you and stay hydrated by snacking on water rich foods like watermelon or cucumbers.
- Learn more about how to Be SunSmart on the Cancer Council webpage.
Water safety
- Always swim and visit water with a buddy and tell a friend or relative when and where you will be swimming.
- Always check for safety signs and follow safety instructions before entering the water.
- Swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards. Check out the Beachsafe webpage to find the closest patrolled beach to you.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags so lifeguards can keep an eye. Between the flags is the safest part of the beach and it is closely monitored by lifeguards who can help you quickly, if needed.
- Never enter the water when you have been drinking alcohol.
- Rip currents are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. Learn about rip currents and how to avoid them on the Beachsafe webpage.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in Victoria. Always check the conditions before going to the water.
Drink safety
- Keep an eye on your drinks and your mates’ drinks to protect them and yourself from drink spiking.
- If you have to leave your drink, leave it with a trusted friend.
- Drink spiking can happen to anyone. It is important for everyone to practice precaution and watch their drinks.
- Drink alcohol in moderation and stay alert. You become more vulnerable to violence and accidents when you drink in excess.
- Drink with trusted friends and keep an eye on your mates. If you see anyone who is too intoxicated or in distress tell a security guard or call emergency services phone on 000 (triple zero) immediately.
- Connect the Find My Friends app, it allows you to share your location with your friends and family.
- Another safety app you can use is SafeZone. It allows you to set a timer which automatically sends an alert on your behalf if you fail to extend or cancel.
- For more tips on how to stay safe on a night out, please visit the Victoria Police ‘Personal safety on a night out’ webpage.
Personal, group and home safety
- Read our article on ‘Personal Safety tips’ for some helpful advice to help keep you safe on campus, using public transport, in public, going out at night and at home.
- The Victoria Police webpage has some great resources and tips on how to protect yourself and your belongings in public.
Bushfire safety
- View our article on ‘Staying safe during bushfire season’ to read about the fire ratings and where to receive updates during a bushfire.
- The Vic Emergency webpage is a Victorian Government website providing a up-to-date warnings, incidents and fire notifications.
- View the Country Fire Authority (CFA) webpage to get up-to-date information on the current fire ratings and warnings in Victoria.
- The CFA webpage also provides resources to help you understand if you are at risk and what to do before and during a fire.
Further support
Immediate support
- Campus Security: Phone (03) 9479 2222 to request a uni-safe escort, report a concern or incident, or seek emergency assistance on campus.
- Emergency call service – Triple Zero: national emergency call service for Police, Fire and Ambulance. Phone 000 in an emergency.
Reporting
- Safer Community: a free, confidential support service for La Trobe students and staff to report concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour they may have experience or witnessed at the University.
- Crime Stoppers: national crime reporting organisation. Phone 1800 333 000 to confidentially report information to help solve a crime.
- Victoria Police: report crimes for investigation. Find your local police station online or phone 131 444 for non-urgent assistance.
Personal support
- Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion: a range of support options are available for all La Trobe students and staff.