Teens flirting with death
Police crack down on boozy sand dune parties
TEENS promoting illegal and dangerous sand dune parties are moving events along the coastline of the Bellarine and Surf Coast peninsulas to avoid detection, police say.
Officers have urged parents to talk to their children about responsible behaviour after multiple reports of wild sand dune parties in the Torquay area in recent weeks.
Torquay Senior Sergeant Anthony Walker said residents had complained to police that booze-fuelled partygoers were laying waste to local areas.
“Residents have told us about some issues — graffiti and rubbish lying around,” Sen-Sgt Walker said.
Police urged young people not to attend illegal beach par- ties and warned of increased patrols at the weekend.
“We need to get the message about risk behaviour out there,” he said. “If it’s cold and they (partygoers) pass out from too much alcohol they are exposed to the elements and the result could be fatal.”
Concerned police have contacted Geelong schools about planned parties to ensure teens are aware of the dangers they could face.
“It is all about harm minimisation and making sure teenagers don’t put themselves in vulnerable situations or become exposed to predators,” he said.
Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club president Mat- thew Ponsford said the club did not condone the consumption of alcohol or anti-social behaviour near the waterfront.
“We never advise people to swim after consuming alcohol — it’s very unsafe,” Mr Ponsford said. “Intoxication is a common contributing factor to drownings.”
Torquay Fire Brigade cap- tain Phil Campbell said it was vital beachgoers remembered seaside campfires and fireworks were illegal.
“We urge people not to have campfires at all,” he said. “It is illegal, they . . . can quickly spread to scrubland. If we are called to a campfire police will be notified.”
Police began their campaign after a violent brawl broke out at a party in February, which led to three people being taken to hospital.