Teenagers warned against dangerous balcony hopping at Schoolies
- A photo surfaced of a young man dangerously walking on a ledge of a Gold Coast high-rise.
- Police urged young people to avoid balcony hopping, particularly when intoxicated, due to severe risks.
- Authorities and public safety campaigns stressed the importance of safety during Schoolies celebrations.
In Queensland, Australia, an alarming photograph showed a young man precariously walking along the ledge of a high-rise building during Schoolies celebrations. This incident led to urgent warnings from Queensland police, highlighting the extreme dangers associated with 'balcony hopping'. Officials explained that the barriers on balconies are there for safety and that the risks increase significantly when alcohol or drugs are involved. Superintendent Peter Miles emphasized the low survival rate for individuals who fall from multi-storey buildings and urged friends to prevent each other from engaging in risky behavior. Social media and the Safe Schoolies initiative echoed these sentiments, stating that irresponsible behavior could not only lead to serious injuries or fatalities but also result in eviction or fines. Overall, police reported positive behavior during the early days of Schoolies, noting a significant number of arrests were unrelated to school leavers, but they remain focused on keeping celebrations safe.