WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAY SAFE
TOERSA executive Mark Williams was working an event when he saw something that made him smile.
“A group of young women came in and one of them stopped and did a head count,” he said.
“I loved to see that.” Sticking with your friends is one piece of advice the experts have for people attending big events. In case you do get separated, it’s recommended to arrange a meeting spot, such as the information tent or merch booth, in advance. If you don’t know the site, security can help.
It’s also important to be aware of what’s going on around you.
“The biggest thing we need to communicate to people is to be aware of your surroundings,” said TOERSA’s Chris Ibey. “Know where the first aid tent is. Have a plan in place to meet if you get separated. Don’t just have your face in your phone the whole time.”
Adds Williams: “Kids will be kids, but at the same time, have discussions with your children on the dangers of certain things. Being aware, not just of drugs and predators but overall. Don’t leave your drink unattended.”
Another idea Ibey suggests is for parents to take their children to their first festival shows.
“If you can take them and teach them how the crowd works, how the lineups work, where to look for first aid, they’ll know how to act in that situation and how their actions affect others,” he said. “Have fun with them before they go on their own. What we see lately is parents just drop them off and there’s no plan in place.”
On site, fans shouldn’t be shy about approaching security, whether they’re lost, need to get out of the crowd quickly or are dealing with a creep. The guards know the site and are trained to listen.
“We can be discreet,” said TOERSA’s Matthew Purcell. “If you want to report the guy behind you who’s been grabbing your bum all night, we can talk over there. I don’t have to single you out.”
With more than 20 years experience in stage security, Purcell has a few tips, too, for youngsters tackling their first big crowds.
“Take it slow. Don’t just jump in the middle of general admission if it’s your first time,” he says. “Realize there are going to be physical pressures on you. Make sure you drink water, eat food, wear sunscreen. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. You can watch the show from the edges.”
As for the mosh pit, Purcell says it’s “not as Lord of the Flies as people seem to think it is. There is a good ethic among youths to take care of each other in those situations. They’re not going to wilfully stumble over someone.
“If you see someone with a shoe in the air, it’s not a trophy, it’s ‘Somebody lost a shoe. I have it. Come get it.’
“I do notice that parents get concerned about boisterous crowd behaviour, but it’s just kids having fun. Security is not letting people hit your kid. The kids are out there having a good time. We’re all essentially there to have fun.
“Unless you’re a jerk who’s bicycle-kicking people as you’re crowd surfing and hurting them, we don’t kick you out.”