It is almost time…Wakana Lake Reunion 2018, and we all want to enjoy ourselves! To increase your likelihood of having a great time at this beautiful reunion and reduce the risk that you will experience a health disturbance, please follow our 7 safety Pillars:
1. Prepare Yourself
Weather conditions can change suddenly and you need to prepare for all kinds of weather; from burning UV sunrays and chilling-cold nights, to dust that gets in your eyes and aggravates asthma to rain and the mud that follows. Like any other camping trip, please ensure you pack warm clothes (get those woollen knits out), sunscreen, sun-smart hats and breathable clothing, appropriate footwear, insect repellent, a reliable tent and adequate bedding (check the temperature range on your sleeping bag). If you have a health condition bring your prescription medication (plus extra in case it gets lost or the seal is compromised and consider wearing a medical ID tag for the festival) and bring your own First Aid Kit. Don’t forget your insulin, EpiPen, inhalers, contraception, or any other important medication when you are reliant on this!
If you do decide to have alcohol or other drugs, do so consciously. Be aware of your physical wellness, how you feel emotionally, consider the impact of existing health conditions and the medication you take and how the weather can complicate your drug experience. Make sure you are continually well-rested, fed and hydrated. Inform yourself on expected effects, safer/more pleasurable dose ranges, how to respond if there is an incident, many other risk factors and how to minimise those risks.
2. Be responsible and safe
You are in charge of your body. Know your own limits. Be gentle with yourself. Pushing your limits may result in a negative experience and can be dangerous. This part may come across a bit heavy, but we cannot stress enough how important this is: USING ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS IS NEVER WITHOUT RISK.
Be cautious if you choose to use alcohol or other drugs. Less = More. Be aware the highest dose is often not the most fun dose and can involve serious risks. In the current global market, drugs often contain substances other than what they are sold as with unknown effects and much higher toxicity.
ALWAYS ask for medical support when someone is unconscious and roll them on their side in the recovery position. BE RESPONSIBLE, SAFE AND INFORM YOURSELF. We cannot repeat this enough: do your research, be precise in your dosage, practice self-care always and seek help immediately when necessary.
3. Drink enough but not too much
Fluid is important to maintain a healthy body. Water intoxication and dehydration are serious risks. You can reduce such risks this by drinking enough but not too much. Alternate water with sports drinks, coconut water, beetroot juice and tomato juice. Apply the following rules:
Up to 1 drink ( = 250ml, non-alcoholic) per hour maximum when you are chilling out.
Up to 2 drinks ( = 500ml, non-alcoholic) per hour maximum when it’s hot and/or you are active/dancing.
Alcohol does not count as fluid intake because it causes you to pee more than you drink.
4. Eat something every few hours
Eating regularly is just as important as drinking fluids to keep you well and prevent water intoxication. Food contains electrolytes that are important to maintaining a healthy fluid balance in your body. It also contains many other nutrients to replenish those you have used when partying. Eat something regularly, even if you don’t feel like it. Drink soup, beetroot juice or tomato juice when eating is difficult. Drinking coconut water and sports drinks may delay possible water intoxication slightly but will not prevent it completely. If you feel unwell, seek help early.
5. Cool down and chill out
Don’t want to stop dancing? Of course you don’t! However, cooling down is important to prevent your body from overheating.
The best way to cool down is by chilling out regularly, even when you don’t feel like it. Use cooling aids on pulse points + the back of your neck + groin, avoid wearing synthetic fabrics in hot weather, never continue dancing when you are not feeling well, sprinkle yourself with water and find a nice spot in the shade.
6. The medical team is your friend
AND SO IS THE NEST! IF YOU NEED HELP, DO NOT HESITATE! WE ARE A COMMUNITY THAT CARES FOR EACH OTHER.
Never leave someone alone unwell. Let yourself or others be checked by medical instead of trying to ‘sleep it off’ alone. Is someone unresponsive or unconscious? ALWAYS CALL FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE and apply the recovery position (ie. lay a person on their side) until help has arrived.
7. Don’t drive impaired!
NEVER DRINK OR TAKE OTHER DRUGS AND DRIVE. Never sit behind the wheel of a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, as your driving skills are impaired. Don’t consider driving if you are in any way fatigued or may even have traces of drugs in your bodily fluids. When leaving the festival, make sure you are well-rested, fed, hydrated, sober and have no traces of drugs in your bodily fluids (a minimum of 24, but more often closer to 72 hours is required before being fit to drive)