School Leavers enjoying the festivities at the 2022 Meelup BeachFest

Leavers flock to BeachFest for day of fun in the sun

Royal Life Saving WA helped thousands of leavers celebrate the end of 12 years of schooling, hosting the annual Meelup BeachFest this week.

This is the first time in years that students have had the option to travel interstate or overseas, though many decided to stay put and celebrate with a week-long party in the south west.

As part of the WA Police Leavers strategy, Royal Life Saving sends a group of volunteers to Dunsborough to ensure the week is safe and enjoyable for all who attend while reminding teenagers about the importance of looking after their friends as part of the ‘Be A Mermate’ campaign.

According to the latest National Drowning Report, 36 people aged between 15 and 24 drowned in Australia in the past year.

Royal Life Saving Health Promotions Manager Blanche Marchant says consuming alcohol is a major risk factor for this group.

“Drowning as a result of excessive alcohol consumption is completely preventable which is why we’re reminding young people to be a good mate and don’t let your friends swim under the influence,” she said.

Around 5,000 leavers attended this year’s BeachFest, enjoying a resident DJ, as well as games, inflatable toys, beach cabanas and food trucks. 

Royal Life Saving Health Promotion Officer, Tom Scott-Jones, says all the leavers had a great time.

“The event was a huge success and we’d like to thank all the leavers in attendance for their fantastic behaviour, and all the support services and volunteers, without which the event would not have been possible,” he said.

The Meelup BeachFest and ‘Be A Mermate’ campaign are part of Royal Life Saving’s strategic goal to promote safe participation and behaviours and reduce the number of alcohol-related drowning deaths.

To read more about the impact of Royal Life Saving’s range of innovative safety messages, visit the link below.