With longer summer days comes plenty of music festivals held across the country. Whether you are a lover of alternative, rock, country or Christian rock, there is a fun and vibrant festival calling your name. However, not everything at a festival is fun and games. Instead, you must actively take steps to keep yourself safe and healthy while there. Here are five ways that you can do this while still having plenty of fun.
When you are with a friend or a group of friends, you can always have someone looking out for you. If you are in a large group, try to pair people up into a buddy system. Buddies can watch each other for signs of illness or dehydration and can ensure that they know the whereabouts of each other at all times.
The heat and the sun can be your biggest threats because they can quickly lead to sunburn, dehydration or heatstroke. Be sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading into the sun, and reapply every few hours. Also, drink plenty of water, and do not rely only on caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which are dehydrating. To cool off, find a shady spot, or head to an air-conditioned bathroom if available.
Just because others are doing dangerous activities does not mean that you should join in with them. When you are at a festival, you should always obey the law, follow the directions of police officers and security personnel. You want to avoid needing a bail bond if you were to get arrested for moshing or causing a fight. Always be sure to listen to and follow announcements made over loud speakers so that you will know what to do in case of an emergency.
Music festivals can be very loud, which can be extremely rough on your hearing both now and in the future. If you stand too close to the loud speakers for too long of a time, you may develop headaches or have ringing in your ears. Over the long term, you could permanently damage your hearing. Try to get a spot away from the speakers, take a break occasionally and bring along ear plugs if you are seated close to the stage.
Of course, it is vitally important to know when to get help when you are at a music festival. If you feel a little off or if one of your friends or someone around you is beginning to act strange, it is time to head to the medical tent or alert authorities. Medical personnel would rather reassure you that everything is fine than have to treat critical conditions. When you know how to stay safe at your favorite festival, you can settle in and have a great time.