Police ask Schoolies to stay safe, be respectful

ONE TO two thousand school leavers are expected to descend on Phillip Island this weekend to celebrate the end of their final exams and school life. 
Although accommodation bookings are well below previous years at the North Pier Hotel, local police are gearing up to make sure school leavers and the local community are safe and that all have an enjoyable time.
Senior Sergeant Brent Muir from Bass Coast Police Service said local police welcome all Schoolies to the area and congratulate them on their efforts.
“We want Schoolies to come and enjoy the area…and enjoy the sights and sounds that Phillip Island has to offer. We want them to be safe and respectful of the local community.”
The Senior Sergeant reminds Schoolies to take particular care and responsibility while swimming, relaxing and partying around water.
“Water and alcohol don’t mix and we’d encourage Schoolies not to enter water after dark and to swim between the flags…and refrain from entering the water if alcohol has been consumed.”
Fires on the beach and fireworks anywhere will not be tolerated by police because of the high fire danger risk. 
Bass Coast Police crews will be bolstered by an additional 30 officers from Latrobe Valley, the Public Order Response Team and the Offender Management Team over the Schoolies period from Friday November 24 to Sunday December 3.
These patrols will be operating over twenty four hour periods and include dedicated foot and road patrols.
Foot patrols will monitor public behaviour around popular areas and licensed venues. 
Highway patrols will be targeting speeding, alcohol, drugs, seatbelts and mobile phone use and driver distraction on local and arterial roads. 
“We will be very active to keep the community and tourists safe as a whole,” said Senior Sergeant Muir. 
Bass Coast Police are working in collaboration with the Bass Coast Shire Council, Ambulance Victoria, Red Frogs and Dance Wise, who will be set up over the next two weekends at the Jetty Triangle.
Senior Sergeant Muir would like to see all Schoolies have a great time, be safe around water, respect the local community and look after each another.
“We encourage school leavers to look after themselves and their mates and try to limit excessive alcohol use…and to call 000 if their friends need help.”