The RNC is warning about unsupervised field parties that are cropping up now that the school year is drawing to a close.
RNC were made aware of a party that was planned for a secluded area in Pouch Cove last night, prompting a warning from Constable James Cadigan.
Last year a number of young people were charged after violence broke out at an unsupervised party in an open area near the Torbay Bypass Road.
Trash left over following a field party in Torbay in 2019 (Bethany Rossiter)
Cadigan says first responders may have difficulty getting to a patient if they’re in a wooded area with little to no cell phone coverage.
There have been occasions, says Cadigan, where it took up to 20 minutes for first responders to walk into a wooded area “to even find where these events are ongoing.”
He’s also asking parents to talk to their children and make sure they stay in contact, especially if things start to go wrong.
“Speak to your teenagers about the dangers of attending such and event. It’s about knowing where your teens will be, infrequent check-in times, and letting your teen know that they can call you for help. You can even establish a code word or signal that can be sent via text that indicates maybe there’s a need for help.”
Some of the issues that present public safety risks include:
Challenges for emergency responders to locate an incident:
No fire safety controls
No traffic or crowd controls
No supervision
No security
No food or drink controls
Parents are encouraged to speak to their teenagers about the dangers of attending such events. Parents should:
Know where their teens will be
Have frequent check-in times
Let your teen know they can call you for help
Establish a code word to signal help is needed.
Youth are reminded to:
Never drive impaired
Never accept a ride from someone who has been drinking or using drugs
Stay with a buddy
Have a cell phone with you at all times and ensure that it is charged
Make sure an adult knows where you are and how to reach you
Call 911 if you or someone you know is in danger.
