SO LONG SCHOOL, NOW BRING ON SCHOOLIES
SCHOOL’S out, scream and shout!
The class of 2017 has celebrated the Year 12 graduation in typical Gold Coast style, running into the ocean in full school uniform.
Students from Somerset College at Mudgeeraba ran on to Burleigh Heads beach around lunchtime yesterday, leaving tourists perplexed.
From tomorrow, 22,000 teens will flock to Surfers Paradise as Schoolies celebrations kick off.
Road traffic police, the Child Protection and Investigation Unit, dog squad, mounted police, general police and Criminal Investigation Branch will all be part of a comprehensive response from police to ensure safety.
Inspector Bruce Kuhn said the visible presence of police was not to detract from schoolies having fun, but rather to ensure safety.
“We’re not there just throwing (people) in cells,” he said.
“We have a pretty good relationship with schoolies and the past couple of years we’ve had a great relationship with them.”
Insp Kuhn said personal safety for schoolies was paramount.
“Look after yourselves and your mates,” he said.
“Think about the decisions you make.”
Red Frogs Australia, Gold Coast Youth Service and State Emergency Services will also be present in large numbers.