With summer underway and festival season around the corner, Island Health says in a press release that staying safe is paramount.
Staying in the shade and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is vital to a good summer experience while enjoying the various music festivals in Greater Victoria.
Island Health said in the press release that substances like MDMA can raise body temperatures and lead to overheating, leading to severe headaches, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine.
Anyone concerned that they might be suffering from dehydration should check their urine. If it is dark yellow or brown, it may be a sign that the person is dehydrated.
Standing too close to loud noises can cause hearing loss, so it is recommended that you wear ear protection.
Festivals around Greater Victoria will offer free condoms at hospitality tents or first aid booths. Pharmacies will offer free emergency contraception and can help with condom breaks or unprotected sex five days after sex. To get tested, please visit:
- Find a clinic via smartsexresource.com/clinics-testing
- In Greater Victoria or Duncan, and no symptoms: GetCheckedOnline.com
- Options Telehealth service optionsforsexualhealth.org/book-a-telehealth-appointment
- For ages 12-24: Island Health Youth Clinics | Island Health & Foundry Virtual BC foundrybc.ca/virtual/primary-care
- Or visit a family doctor, walk-in clinic or sexual health clinic
Consenting to sex means the partner agrees the sexual activity and completely understands what they are agreeing to. Sexual assault is a crime and anyone who is assaulted should be taken to hospital.
WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction Association, Canadian Mental Health Association Mid Island, and Substance will be at local festivals through the summer and provide free drug testing for attendees.
Drug testing will be available at:
- Laketown Shakedown
- Phillips Tilt
- Pachena Bay Music Festival
- Sunfest Country
- Blackberry Jam
- Phillips Reverb
- Rifflandia
- Cumberland Wild
It is not advised to mix drugs and alcohol leading to serious adverse affects for the party-goer.
