Sunny vibes, safe nights: Your guide to staying safe this summer

Summer’s here, and with it comes festivals, beach days, late-night hangouts, and all the good vibes. Whether you're relaxing in the park with your friends or hitting the town for a night out, it's important to look after yourself and each other. Staying safe doesn’t mean killing the fun — it means making sure it keeps going.

Here’s your go-to guide for staying safe this summer:

Out and about in the sun? Stay sharp.

Stay hydrated
Warm weather and social plans are a dream combination, but don’t let heat, alcohol, or bad decisions ruin your day. Alcohol and heat don’t mix well — dehydration can creep up on you fast. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re outside for long periods.

Sun protection is a must
You don’t want to end your day with a killer sunburn or heatstroke. Wear SPF (yes, even when it’s cloudy), take breaks in the shade, and protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Buddy up
If you’re heading out with friends, make a pact to stick together. Assign a designated driver or agree on who’s keeping things sensible. If you’re drinking, know your limits — and look out for each other.

Line your stomach
Alcohol on an empty stomach = a fast-track to feeling rough. Eat a decent meal before you start drinking and keep some snacks on hand.

Watch your drink
Never leave your drink unattended. If it looks, tastes, or smells weird — ditch it. Keep an eye out for your mates’ drinks too.

Avoid swimming after drinking
If you’re planning a beach day, save the swim for earlier in the day. Alcohol and water are a deadly mix. The Royal Lifesaving Society’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign reminds us of the risks — especially around Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July. Stay safe near water and respect the warnings.

Staying safe on nights out

Charge your phone before you head out
A dead battery at 2 a.m. isn’t just annoying — it can leave you stranded. Charge your phone and maybe pack a small power bank just in case.

Have a plan to get home
Know how you're getting back before the night begins. Book a taxi, check last train times, or share lifts with someone sober. And never walk home alone if you can help it.

Stick with your crew
The golden rule: no one gets left behind. Look out for your friends and make sure everyone gets home safely. If someone’s not OK, don’t leave them.

Keep your drink in sight
We know, we said it already — but it’s worth repeating. Drink spiking is real, and it’s dangerous. Don’t accept open drinks from strangers and avoid communal pitchers or bottles.

Talk to staff if you feel unsafe
Bar and club staff are there to help. If something doesn’t feel right — whether you’re feeling unwell, being harassed, or can’t find your mates — let someone know. Look out for Ask for Angela signs too — a discreet way to get help in licensed venues.

Bournemouth Town Pastors and Community Volunteers
If you're out in Bournemouth on the weekend, you're in good hands. We've got Bournemouth Town Pastors and Community Volunteers out and about, looking out for anyone who might need a bit of help. The Town Pastors are around on Saturday nights from 10pm to 2am – you'll spot them in dark blue baseball caps and bright sky-blue hi-vis jackets that say “Bournemouth Town Pastors” on the back. The Community Volunteers are also around to help keep things safe and chill from 8pm to midnight on both Friday and Saturday nights.

We’re here for you over summer
Many students opt to stay in Bournemouth during the summer months, so you won't be alone if you're staying local this year. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy everything Bournemouth has to offer, from its sunny beaches to community events. And don’t forget – most of our core services are still open for you to use during this time. Please check the website to find out more.