With Coachella behind us, it's safe to say that festival season has officially arrived. Young people across the country and spending their hard earned dollars on flights, fringe, and flash tattoos to go spend three magical days listening to music with friends and strangers alike. But it seems like every summer, we hear about another devastating loss from one of these festivals. People don't take care of themselves and some even end up losing their lives. Festivals are all about having a good time, but it shouldn't come at the expense of our safety. Follow these six tips to keep yourself happy, healthy, and living your best life.
1. Make Eating and Drinking Water a Priority
It's easy to forget your body's basic needs when you're in a festival setting. Maybe you're staking out at a stage all day to be at the front when a headliner comes on, or maybe you're moving around so much you don't want to carry a hefty water bottle around. But when you're out in the sun and the heat, it's critical to keep yourself hydrated and well-fed -- especially if you're drinking or doing drugs. Dehydration and fatigue are how many people end up in the medic tent.
2. Stay Out of Off-Limits Areas
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This one should go without saying but many adventure seekers don't always oblige. Safety parameters are set up for a reason, that is to keep you safe. If an area says do not enter or is roped off, don't cross those boundaries. An employee was killed after falling from a roof while setting up the Coachella stages this year. A lot of stuff behind the scenes isn't safe for festival goers. Personal injury attorneys say concert venues are a hotbed for slip and fall and negligent security claims. If something looks closed off, don't try to explore. Curiosity killed the cat.
3. Find Safety in Numbers
GiphyAlways travel with a group when you're in an unfamiliar setting or unknown location. Even if you've been to festival grounds before, landmarks can change location from year to year or new installations can be added to switch up the landscape. It's always best to walk around with a buddy or move in groups. And while part of the fun at festivals is making new friends, beware of stranger danger.
4. Test Your Drugs
https://unsplash.com/photos/RpRRgfIWgekIf you choose to take drugs at a festival, make sure you know what's really in them. You can buy quality drug testing kits on Amazon to make sure you really got what you paid for. Often drugs like MDMA and cocaine are cut with meth or potentially fatal substances like Fentanyl. Be especially careful if you're choosing to take drugs from strangers at a festival.
5. Know Your Limits
PexelsIt's important to keep your wits about you whenever you're drinking or doing drugs. If you overindulge and get too drunk, you won't be having fun anymore. No one wants to spend their festival experience with their head in a trashcan ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ This goes back to making sure you eat and drink water throughout the day. If you need assistance, find a way to the medic tent or ask a friend for help.
6. Have a Backup Plan
media.giphy.comSelect a meeting spot or landmark for your group in case you get separated. And don't push yourself too hard -- It's more than ok to take breaks throughout the day. Hopefully, you'll never get to the point where you need medical help, but if you or a friend are feeling unsafe or sick, find the medic or cool down tent. In most cases, the people staffing these areas are trained to help you and maintain confidentiality. Don't be afraid to be honest about what you put in your body.
Ultimately, use your good judgment whenever you're gallivanting around a music festival and you'll be sure to have a great time. Happy festival season!
