With New Year's Eve celebrations about to be upon us, South Australia Police (SAPOL) reminds the public they will be out and about to keep the community safe by providing a highly visible presence.
New Year's Eve celebrations will occur across the state, with major events in the CBD and other locations, including Glenelg, Brighton and Victor Harbor. The City of Adelaide will also be hosting a family friendly 'Light Up' event in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka, which will feature a hybrid fireworks/light show for the first time in addition to other entertainment.
Police Commander for New Year's Eve, Assistant Commissioner Stuart McLean said many people will be keen to celebrate the closing out of a year; however safety must be front and centre of people's minds.
"Don't spend your New Year's Eve in a hospital or police custody because you made a poor choice and caused harm or potential danger to someone else," Assistant Commissioner McLean said.
"Plan ahead early and make sure someone knows your plans. Look out for those around you and set a reasonable limit if you intend on drinking.
"Police will be conducting major drink and drug driving operations throughout the night and well into the morning and will take a zero tolerance approach to drink and drug driving."
With the number of lives lost on South Australian roads currently the lowest it has been since records have been kept, SAPOL urges everyone to travel safely, to obey speed restrictions and to not be distracted.
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Joe Szakacs said that SAPOL has been preparing ahead of time for New Year's Eve and officers are ready to respond to calls for assistance or to manage any anti-social behaviour.
"South Australians can expect to see a highly visible police presence across the state to ensure that New Year's Eve celebrations are conducted responsibly so that everyone can see in the new year with their friends and family safely," Minister Szakacs said.
"I'm optimistic that most South Australians will choose to do the right thing this New Year's Eve so that we can end this year and start 2023 on a positive note.
"I thank all those emergency service workers who will be spending their New Year's Eve taking care of those needing assistance and keeping our communities safe."
SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), Operations Manager, Pat Stevenson said New Years is typically the busiest day of the year for SAAS.
"While we want everyone to have a great time this New Year's Eve, we don't want people spending the night being treated by our ambulance clinicians," Mr Stevenson said.
"We know many people will be drinking alcohol to bring in the New Year and so it's important they do so in moderation and keep hydrated with plenty of water, especially if it is hot.
"Take care, look after your mates, keep your cool in the heat and never be afraid to call Triple Zero (000) for immediate medical assistance."
A number of Declared Public Precincts (DPP) will be in place throughout the west end of the CBD as well as throughout Glenelg. DPPs give police the ability to issue expiation notices for offences (such as behavioural and traffic related offences) within the geographic area or to issue barring orders covering the precinct.
Additional paramedics and ambulance officers will also be out and about across the state, particularly at locations expecting crowds such as Glenelg, Adelaide CBD and the Limestone Coast.
For those who have plans to celebrate New Year's Eve with a few drinks, SAPOL encourages you to take up the free buses, trains and trams made available by Adelaide Metro between 5:00pm – 6:00am.
SAPOL reminds the public of the current restrictions on all recreational boating and water activity on the River Murray. These restrictions apply on all parts of the River Murray (including all creeks, tributaries, lakes, lagoons and other bodies of water connected to the River Murray) between the South Australian border and the Wellington ferry. Stay up to date with the latest information by visiting SA.GOV.AU - River Murray flood (www.sa.gov.au)
Members of the public are reminded to report any suspicious behaviour to 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
